Surf Coast Term 2 Week 2

Greater Love has no Person Than This…

“Greater love has no person than this, that a person lay down their life for their friends”. This verse from John 15:13 has characterised the ANZAC spirit for generations. It occurs to me that love and inversely a lack of love continues to be the greatest driving force in human beings. This makes sense considering we are all created from, by and for the love of God.

When I think about some of the most challenging tasks I could be asked to do as a member of a family, organisation, community or country I know that ultimately it’s not my respect for the person asking, ordering or mandating my action but my love for whomever my action will benefit that is the key motivating factor. It’s difficult to follow orders that we disagree with, cause discomfort or come from someone we disrespect – and yet when we love the person beside us, when we value them and seek to serve their best interests a courage arises within us that motivates and drives us towards the hardest of tasks. This is how Jesus went to and endured his death on the cross, his love for us drove and enabled him to face incredible challenges that ultimately resulted in our lives being saved and radically restored, improved and safeguarded.

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. 

Unearth Your Treasure Within!

Open Day and Prep Discovery Days

For those considering a Christian College education for their children, regardless of year level, we believe the best way to get a true 'look and feel' of our College is to come and see us in action. That’s why we offer open days where interested parents and guardians have the opportunity to tour our campuses, see real classes in real time, meet students, teachers and campus leaders and have their specific questions answered.

Our second Open Day for 2024 at all five campuses, plus Butterfield House Kindergarten, is on May 7. Opening times have been planned so there is an opportunity to visit more than one campus on the same day. Bellarine Campus will open its doors from 9:30 to 11:00am; Middle School-Highton from 10:30am to 12 noon; Senior School-Waurn Ponds from 11:30am to 1pm; Junior School-Belmont from 9:15 to 10:45am and Surf Coast Campus and Butterfield House from 11:30am to 1pm. Evening sessions are offered at two campuses on the day – Junior School (at 5:00, 5:15 and 5:30pm) and Surf Coast Campus (at 4:30, 4:45 and 5:00pm).

Then on May 8 and 9, we are again offering a Prep Discovery experience at our Bellarine, Belmont and Surf Coast Campuses. These days are for those parents and guardians interested in enrolling in Prep. There is an opportunity for them, and their children, to actually join a Prep class for an immersive experience – and find out more about our amazing Prep program at three campuses. For those interested in attending one of these free sessions, we ask for a booking so we can properly accommodate everyone who wants to attend. More details on both Open Day and Prep Discovery sessions, including a link to book a Prep Discovery place, can be found on our website.

We would ask all current Christian College families who have friends, other family members or colleagues who are making choices about the right school for their child(ren), to spread the word and encourage them to visit one or more of our campuses on May 7, and/or be part of our Prep Discovery program on May 8/9.  

ANZAC Celebrations

Our ANZAC Service was a moment of remembering and celebrating the brave and courageous. On Wednesday families, friends, staff, and students attended the Surf Coast ANZAC Service commemorating the 109th anniversary of Australia’s involvement during World War 1. Captain Christine Tyler from the Torquay RSL who is a veteran of 15 years in the army reserve joined us for the service and Year 12 student Mia Smyth the Last Post and Reveille on the trumpet. Our Surf Coast Campus Year 4 and 5 Choir also entertained our guests singing the Australian National Anthem. During the week the children took part in different ANZAC activities, making poppies, a wreath, and reading ANZAC stories. On ANZAC Day Mia Stewart and Finn Hunter represented our campus at the Dawn Service in Torquay. They thoroughly enjoyed being a part of such a significant and special service.  We are so proud of the incredible job they did on our behalf.

From The Chaplain – ANZAC Day

As we entered this term, preparations began for our ANZAC Day service, held on Wednesday this week.

As you will see in our main ANZAC Day article, we had a very full multipurpose room to share in the remembrance and commemoration of the brave soldiers who have served and continue to serve in wars, conflict, and peacekeeping measures all over the world.

The service was a great time of reflection, and we had the opportunity to have Psalm 23 read to us by two of our Year 4 Student Leaders, Emilia McClea and Hope Sticca, 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.

We also had leaders William Griffin and Lilly Kennedy read our opening prayer and Acknowledgement Of Country, respectively, and I was immensely proud of the way all four of our leaders carried themselves.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

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 2 2024

WEEK 3                            

Monday 29 April                   Prep Discovery Learning/ Bush

Wednesday 1 May                 Year 1 visit Spring Creek Period 3

Thursday 2 May                    Lunchtime Concert – Music Students

Thursday 2nd- Saturday 4 May  Cinderella

Friday 3 May                                      Preps 50th day at school – email to come from Mrs Welsh and Ms Maher

Lunchtime Clubs: A World of Fun and Friendship!

Lunchtime at the Surf Coast campus is not just about eating; it’s a vibrant hub of activity where our Preps come together with students from all year levels to enjoy a variety of lunchtime activity clubs. From the energetic dance moves in dancing club, to the strategic moves on the chessboard in chess club, there’s something for everyone!

Some of our Preps have ventured into the garden to cultivate their green thumbs with the wonderful Mr T to pick some whopping big carrots to take home and share with their families. Throughout the term in gardening club, the children will have the opportunity to learn about how to nurture plants and harvest fruits and vegetables, as well as important life skills of patience and responsibility.

Year 1

Throughout this week, our focus on ANZAC activities has not only commemorated the sacrifices of the past but also instilled a sense of reverence and appreciation among students. Engaging in these activities fosters a deeper understanding of history and encourages empathy towards those who served. On Monday, we also celebrated Earth Day where we looked at how important it is for our Earth to be cherished and cared for. Our Year 1 students constantly demonstrate their passion towards learning about their history and taking care of the beautiful environment that we call home. This week has demonstrated such a beautiful connection between the students, their earth and their nation’s rich history.

ANZAC Biscuits!

This week, the Year 2s have been reading the Rich Text, ANZAC Biscuits, and have learnt about the soldiers who fought for our freedom at Gallipoli. The students had many questions and thoughts about WW1 and discussed the symbols of ANZAC Day, such as rosemary, poppies and ANZAC biscuits.

The students were very excited to make ANZAC biscuits in class and even had enough to take some home to their families (if they weren’t all devoured at school).

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends.

Mental Maths

In Year 4 we have hit the ground running with our maths learning. We are focusing on multiplication fluency and are reviewing addition and subtraction strategies. Each session we have a daily review of previous concepts, a game linked to the concepts, independent practice and a ‘thinking mathematically’ problem. Daily review in mathematics is crucial for reinforcing concepts and enhancing mental math fluency, especially in fundamental operations like multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. Employing the pictorial-concrete-abstract method within an explicit direct instruction framework facilitates a comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts. By incorporating visual aids, manipulatives, and abstract representations, students develop a deeper grasp of mathematical principles. Moreover, this approach fosters a smoother transition from concrete to abstract thinking, essential for mastering complex mathematical concepts.

Back to School for Term 2!

We have certainly hit the ground running for the start of Term 2. We are straight back into our classes and learning. This term will be an exciting one for sport, with us taking part in the interschool sport program on a number of Thursdays. We will have students playing Netball, Soccer, Volleystars and T-Ball. This is always a great way for our students to get to know some of the Christian College students from other campuses.

We have started our next Maths project. The Year 5 students are designing and planning their own Food Trucks. This is always a favourite activity. This week we have done lots of reflection surrounding ANZAC Day. I have been so impressed with the insight and thinking that my class has shown for this occasion.

It has been wonderful to watch the friendships made during Term 1 continue to strengthen and grow over the last 2 weeks. The connections in 5T are amazing to watch.

Well Done Year 3 Japanese Students!

In Term 2, Year 3 students are learning about numbers, and a boys’ festival called Koinobori.

Audrey Maxsted –  you are very brave to put your hand up and display your ideas in class even though Japanese is a new subject for you. Also, you always use a Japanese greeting outside the class. Well done! Yokudekimashita

Isla Linguey – you are always switched on and are an excellent Japanese learner. Well done! Yokudekimashita

Sunny – you are very responsible in completing your work neatly. You are an excellent role model in Japanese class.

Deakin District Cross Country Championships

Eastern Park, Geelong

Congratulations to Year 4, 5 and 6 students Claire Colella, Emilia McClea, Gracie Newman-King, Molly Prendergast, Hope Sticca, Mia Sticca, Grace Thompson, Eliza Workman, Otis Cassar, Woody Clark, Keiren Heaton, Archie Hughes, Mackenzie Fitzgerald, Frankie Irwin, Camilla Rau, Avery Bowyer, Kai Degenis, Oscar Dixon, Jude Griffin, Harry Hilbert, Bryce Hunter, Taylor Wilkens, Berry Burton, Leia Coleman and Oliver Wheelahan, on their Cross-Country running efforts last week.

Our students competed alongside students from Montpellier PS, Grovedale West PS, Kardinia International College, Christian College Highton and Bellarine Campuses, and The Geelong College.

The event was conducted at Eastern Gardens in Geelong and involved completing a challenging 2 km or 3 km course.

We are proud of these students for being our Surf Coast Campus representatives at this interschool sporting event.

Our students gained valuable experience and enjoyed the atmosphere while competing with enthusiasm and pride as they represented our college.

A big ‘WELL DONE’ to all members of the CCG Cross Country team!

Commemorating ANZAC Day in Jordan

One of Christian College's instrumental music teachers and our Head of Brass, Sean Rankin, represented the RAAF yesterday at their dawn ANZAC ceremony in Jordan, sounding The Last Post and the Reveille as he stood on the ancient steps of the Citadel – part of the historic Roman ruins that overlook the city of Amman. Prior to joining CCG, Sean spent a number of years as a full-time musician in the RAAF, attaining the rank of Leading Aircraftsman (LAC), and he still serves as a reservist trumpet player for the ADF. We are immensely proud of you Sean!

Lest we forget.

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!