Surf Coast Term 2 Week 10

From the Acting Principal

And just like that, we’ve arrived at the end of Semester 1. For Prep parents, you are likely trying to comprehend how fast that first six months went, and how much your little one has learned in such a short span of time. At the other end of our College, I’m sure there are some Year 12 parents who have an eye on the finish line: final exams, a graduation and, suddenly, a child you once held in your arms will have become an adult.

That’s the joy, for me, of belonging to a school like Christian College. One minute, I’m sitting on a classroom floor with a bunch of Grade Preps, learning how to put words together to form a sentence. Next, I’m hiking through the Grampians with a class of VCE Outdoor Education students, discussing life interests and career aspirations.

Whilst the term has drawn to a close for our students, there’s still excitement in the air for many of our Year 11s with two Presentation Balls taking place over this weekend. These nights are always a wonderful celebration of our community and, having heard firsthand from the dance instructors during the week, this year’s students have already proven themselves to be an enthusiastic, courteous and caring group of young people.

Semester 1’s In Focus is now Published!

The first edition of In Focus for 2024 is now published. With changes around the College’s leadership structure in 2025, we’ve chosen a theme of ‘Firm Foundations for a Flourishing Future’. Built on firm foundations, the College has come a long way over 45 years and we are excited about our future. As educators, we want our students to flourish in their learning and growth as people – at school and beyond. The foundations built during their K-12 years are critical for their lifelong journey.  

The Christian College Geelong Foundation held its Gathering Hope event in May where 80 people enjoyed lunch and an address from guest speaker, Jossy Chacko – who tells us a little of his remarkable story in this edition of In Focus. 

We celebrate the success of the Class of 2023 and catch up with Dux, Oscar Saffin, to find out where the past six months have taken him. 

Recently elected College Board Chair, Associate Professor David Fuller, outlines some of what the Board has been doing in recent months in preparation for our leadership changes next year, and we introduce the eight current Board members.  

New Gymnasium

This week we were so excited to be able to open our new gymnasium, a new cornerstone of our campus. This multi-functional facility will not only serve as the new home for our PE and Health lessons but also as an innovative space for our music lessons. The gym is poised to become a vibrant hub for student activities and community events, enriching the lives of everyone who steps through its doors. We extend our deepest gratitude to the College leadership for making this dream a reality, and to the construction team for their incredible work. Special thanks to the parents and school leadership for their support and for joining us at the opening. As we look ahead to the next term, we are excited to utilise our new facility and see the positive impact it will have on our students. This gymnasium is a testament to our collective efforts and a beacon of the bright future ahead.

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 3 2024

WEEK 1

Monday 15 July             Staff Return to School

Tuesday 16 July             Students return to school

Friday 19 July                Assembly – All Welcome

WEEK 2

Monday 22 July             Discover Learning Periods 3 & 4 – Prep

WEEK 3

Tuesday 30 July &      2024 Primary Debating Day Regional Debating (2 teams) @Geelong Grammar 4pm

Wednesday 31 July      Selected Year 6 Students

Thursday 1 August      Lunchtime Concert – selected students

Friday 2 August          Assembly – All Welcome

From The Chaplain: Torquay Uniting Choir Service

I can’t believe we’re already at the end of Term 2, and halfway through the school year!

I’ve been so blessed this semester by seeing the growth within our students, in all different areas of their school life, and I hope you all have the most amazing break over the next few weeks.

This past Sunday, I had the immense privilege of going to visit Torquay Uniting, and to have our Middle School Choir sing our College hymn, Seek Ye First, and a contemporary worship piece, Still.

The choir, directed by Kate Notini, and accompanied by Brad Treloar, sung amazingly, and I know that the congregation at Torquay Uniting was not only amazed by the abilities of our Choir, but also by the number of families that were there also, and shared a morning tea afterwards.

Once upon a time the Christian College Preps went to Fairy Park!

On a very chilly Wednesday morning, the Preps from all three campuses headed off to Fairy Park. This wonderful excursion was a conclusion to our Kings and Queens Unit, and focus on narratives and fairy tales.

There were lots of ‘wows’, ‘ahs’ and ‘ohs’ as the bus climbed the hill to the wonders of Fairy Park. All the campuses had opportunities to explore the many stories set around the grounds, play in the playground of course, and enjoy their snack and lunch on a big day of adventure.

The sun came out and warmed our bodies as our hearts too were warm and filled with so much fun. The children spoke of so many highlights throughout the day. The playground definitely topped the list, which still has all the amazing features it has had for decades! Our little people had not seen some of these pieces of equipment such as an egg spinner and old school wizzy dizz.

Year 1 Maths and English Skills

Throughout this school term, our primary focus has been on enhancing the Year 1’s Mathematical and English skills. We have explored addition and subtraction, learning to solve problems independently and collaboratively. In English, we’ve practiced writing sentences using conjunctions like ‘and’ to connect ideas and ‘but’ to contrast them, fostering clear communication.

In addition to academics, we have dedicated time to understanding environmental stewardship and animal conservation. Together, we’ve learned about endangered species, discussing ways we can protect their habitats and ensure their survival. From recycling initiatives to discussing the importance of reducing plastic use; these discussions have empowered the students to become more aware of their impact on the world around them. It’s been inspiring to see their enthusiasm grow as they grasp these concepts and become advocates for a sustainable future.

See How We Have Grown!

As Term 2 draws to a close, Year 2s have been reflecting on how much we have grown and progressed. 2J students have been growing seedlings since last year and the tiny plants have grown into healthy, tall plants. In the same way, our young learners have grown and developed during the semester.

Every student has taken on new understandings and learnt new skills in every learning area. Reflecting on how we have improved, we have celebrated the progress we’ve made by making tree collages with a collection of leaves. On each leaf, the students wrote messages of how they have grown:

I can tell the time on an analogue clock.

I have learnt how to be a good friend.

I have been kind.

My handwriting has improved.

I’m better at reading.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

After many weeks of reading Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, accompanied by numerous murmurs of “I just wanna eat some chocolate … NOW!”, the Year 3 students ventured out to the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery on Monday. Dressed in their Wonka finery, we escorted a bunch of purple Willy Wonkas, green-haired Oompa Loompas, exquisitely turned-out Veruca Salts, bubbly blue Violet Beauregardes, an Augustus Gloop or two, Mike TeeVees, a group of Charlies, and a few hopeful Golden Ticket seekers. The teachers, Grandma Josephine and Grandma Georgina, were comfortably snuggly in their dressing gowns and slippers, but a little put out that they couldn’t stay in bed all day, like the characters in the book!

Descending upon their very own, local and amazing ‘chocolate factory’, the Year 3 students explored the beautiful grounds dotted with quirky, confectionary-covered, oversized kangaroo garden ornaments, a cluster of timber poles painted with indigenous designs, and dozens of orchard fruit trees. Inside there were towers of scrumptious chocolate creations and a heavenly selection of sorbets and gelatos, providing a tantalizing cornucopia of colourful temptation as far as the eye could see.

Year Four Wraps Up a Fantastic Term with Pyjama Day Celebration

As the term draws to a close, Year Four celebrated their learning journey with a fun-filled Pyjama Day! This cozy event marked the culmination of a term packed with exciting and educational activities, showcasing the students’ hard work and creativity.

To kick off the celebration, the class gathered to watch “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” the beloved adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s classic novel. This film was particularly special as it was based on our read-aloud text for the term. The students enjoyed seeing the magical world of Narnia come to life on screen, enhancing their connection to the story they had enjoyed so much.

The festivities didn’t stop there. Year Four also participated in an Ancient Rome Minecraft Challenge, allowing students to apply the knowledge they’ve gained from our content knowledge unit. This engaging activity saw students creating a variety of ambitious and impressive constructions. Projects included the magnificent Colosseum, complete with detailed above and below ground sections, the iconic Pantheon, and intricate aqueducts and bridges. Some students even tackled recreations of Pompeii, both in its glorious pre-eruption state and in its ruins, with the ominous Mount Vesuvius looming in the background.

Finishing With a Bang!!

The race to the end of term has been very busy in the Year 5 room. As part of our Maths focus we have been learning about perimeter, area and volume. As well as adding and subtracting decimals. To go with this the Year 5 students have developed, planned and built their own versions of Food Vans. This has been an activity that has seen lots of fun and excitement in the classroom. With so many maths elements being done along the way. It is fabulous to see the creativity of the students going hand in hand with maths language and skills.

We have also been spending our time developing our own sustainable community called ‘Solarcity’. The students were tasked with developing a city that was self-sufficient and that minimised waste and pollution. The ideas that were discussed and carried through were amazing. We had farms, restaurants, hospitals, environmental housing and schools, just to name a few. Each of these organisations had energy-efficient ideas and ways to reduce their waste. Each child linked with other students to manage the problem of waste. Everyone finding some way to re-use what was considered waste from another area of the city.

Watching the class collaborate, think deeply and discuss the future of our planet was great.

‘Great Book Swap’ Book Donations

It’s that time of the year again! In Term 3, we will be holding our annual Book Week celebration, with festivities including a ‘Great Book Swap’ to help raise money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF). The ILF are a charity that work to promote literacy in remote communities across Australia by providing culturally relevant books and learning resources to children and families.

To help run the ‘Great Book Swap’ stall, we rely on donations of great books in excellent condition. Should you have any books at home that are looking to be loved by someone new, there will be donation boxes in each classroom during Term 3. Families are also welcome to deliver any donations to the library.

We look forward to celebrating Book Week together next Term!

The Value of Teacher Professional Development

Nurturing Growth and Enhancing Practice

As the educational landscape evolves, so must our teachers. Professional development (PD) plays a pivotal role in empowering educators to thrive in their roles, adapt to changing contexts, and continuously improve their practice. Whether this is through educational readings, podcasts, peer observation, webinars or external sessions. Teachers are lifelong learners. Attending PD sessions allows us to stay abreast of the latest research, pedagogical approaches, and technological advancements.

Last Saturday, four teachers from across the Belmont and Surf Coast Junior Schools attended an all day PD focused on Mathematics. Titled the Effective Maths Conference, this day is part of the What Works Series and comes from the Think Forward Educators Branch. The speakers ranged from international Maths App designer, Bruno Reddy to local educators, lecturers at universities and resource creators. It was a wonderful day that left the four of us inspired and ready to enter this final week of term with fresh ideas. Mr Brown even got up and became the guest presenter in one of the break out sessions!

The Inaugural Geelong Combined School's String Festival

The inaugural Geelong Combined School's String Festival was held last night in the RW Gibson Auditorium. String students from Iona, Sacred Heart, Kardinia, and Saint Ignatius Colleges, as well as the Middle School String ensembles from Highton and Bellarine, combined for an afternoon of rehearsing and developing their string ensemble technique. They workshopped three new pieces before presenting a formal concert for families and friends. Our very own VCE Sting Ensemble also performed, using the opportunity to hone their skills, as well as serve as an inspiration to the younger participants through their presentation of themes from the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean". Thanks to all staff involved in making this event happen-it was truly epic to have over seventy string musicians gathered and performing in our wonderful performing arts space. Congratulations to all participants!

Generative AI Parent Webinar

A reminder to parents of this webinar which we held recently, with good attendance from parents.

We wish to make available a video recording of the webinar, as well as the parent and family guide handout that was promoted near the end of the webinar. The guide handout includes a summary of our current College guidelines for student uses of generative AI.

• Generative AI and School Parent Webinar Recording (includes chapter links)
• Exploring AI for Families Guide Handout (includes summary of College guidance)

During the webinar we addressed key parent questions. There was also an opportunity to share a follow up question after the webinar which we planned to respond to in this week’s Vine, however we did not receive any new questions.

Thank you for partnering with us in supporting our young people in navigating this new and emerging technology, particularly in the context of school and learning.

Gathering Hope

The Foundation was pleased to host their bi-annual Gathering Hope Appeal Luncheon on Friday, 24 May 2024 at Provenance Wines in Fyansford. With close to 80 guests in attendance, the event successfully raised $19K, which has been doubled, thanks to our current dollar-matching campaign, raising a total of $38K for the Foundation.

The guest speaker was Jossy Chacko, who generously gave up an entire day to support the work of the College and our local community. In addition to speaking at the luncheon, Jossy gave a devotion to our Senior School staff, spent time being scrutinised by the Year 10 Global Ethics class, and supported our local Christian radio station, 96three FM.

Seeking Christian College Company Members

Christian College Geelong is seeking expressions of interest from any parent or guardian interested in becoming a new Company Member.

Company Members play an important part in the governance structure and protection of the College. A number of positions on the Christian College Board are filled by company members, depending on the skillset required when vacancies arise, and it is the company members who have the responsibility of voting to pass any amendments to the Christian College constitution. Company members may also be eligible to sit on various committees involved in the governance of the College.

Whilst participating as a company member is not overly onerous, it needs to be pointed out that the position is voluntary and not remunerated in any way. Also, please understand an expression of interest does not guarantee automatic membership of the company.

If you have a heart for the College, and feel you would have the time to dedicate and an interest in this role, please contact the Company Secretary, Bernard Nicholls at b.nicholls@ccg.vic.edu.au. All expressions of interest must be submitted by COB Friday, August 2.

Camps, Sports and Excursion Funding

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. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes.

CSEF will be provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card (HCC) or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. 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 (Student Information, then 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

The closing date for applications is June 28.

 For more information about the fund visit www.education.vic.gov.au/csef

National Collection of Data on Students With a Disability

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). With data collected on the first Friday in August (August 5 this year), the NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability.

These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD Guidelines.

Please see the attached NCCD Fact Sheet for more information.

NCCD Parent Fact Sheet

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!