Surf Coast Term 2 Week 2

From the Executive Principal

The Power of Community  

I love to see community connectedness flourish at Christian College, whether that is parents connecting with our school, students connecting with the local environment or our staff and students connecting with global friends.  

Yesterday I visited Williams House Kinder to see the completion of the new playground. The College had successfully applied for a Buildings Block grant to transform the playground. I can’t wait to see the children play in the water creek and explore the nooks and crannies of their new natural playground. When I got there, I met the team from Ocean Road Landscaping who had been doing a fabulous job on this project, and I had the pleasure of meeting Suzy Zhang, who was the Landscape Architect who did the design for the project. To my delight, I found that Suzy is a College parent with a daughter at Junior School.  

I know there are examples all across our College of parents connecting with us and sharing their talents, whether it is coming to talk in a classroom, accompanying on an excursion, helping out at a Busy Bee, or designing a playground for us. Thank you, Suzy, and to every other parent who is helping to enrich opportunities for our students. You will also see an exciting opportunity in the Vine for families to get involved with our planned Christian College Foundation Family Favourites Cook Book. What a great way to build community. 

 I also love to see the many opportunities our students have to connect with their local and global community. In this week’s Vine you will see articles about our children going on camps within the local community. We are also privileged to currently have visitors here from our sister schools in both Indonesia and Japan. These partnerships have both endured for 30 years, creating invaluable opportunities to expand our students’ horizons, fostering cultural awareness and global citizenship. I do believe that these connections inspire our students to dream bigger, think beyond borders, and become more community-minded. 

Thank you for being part of our community. 

Welcoming SMA Negeri 2 Mataram to Surf Coast Campus

On Thursday this week, our campus had the joy of welcoming a delegation of students and teachers from our sister school, SMA Negeri 2 Mataram, Lombok, Indonesia. Their visit was part of our long-standing Sister School Exchange Program, which, this year, celebrates 30 years of intercultural friendship and shared learning with our Lombok friends.

The day began with a special Welcome Service, where the Surf Coast Head of Campus, Mrs Debbie Riddle and the Surf Coast community extended warm greetings to our guests. There was also a speech by Bapak Abdul Kadir Alaydrus, the principal of SMAN2 Mataram where he inserted a “pantun” (poem) in Indonesian. When the “pantun” was translated into English by Bapak Ihdzar, all students from both schools responded with the word “cakap”.

The atmosphere was festive as Year 7T students performed two lively pieces on the angklung, a traditional Indonesian bamboo instrument, showcasing their dedication and growing musical skills. Our visiting Indonesian students also treated the audience to their School song, with lyrics full of educational spirit.

Following the performances, students from both schools joined in interactive activities, the highlight being a joyful group dance to the classic Macarena. Laughter and movement filled the air as students from across cultures came together through the universal languages of music and fun.

Throughout the day, our Indonesian friends had the opportunity to join classes across Surf Coast Campus, from the curious minds in Prep to the confident voices of our Year 7s. It was a valuable cultural exchange for all involved, with students sharing stories, languages, and moments of connection.  It was great to celebrate our partnership and the experience of learning from each other.

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 2025

WEEK 3

Monday 5 May             Preps 50 Day at school – Prep students – more information to come

Tournament of the minds training – Time to be confirmed- Selected students Year 5,6, and 7

Tuesday 6 May                         Surf Coast Cross Country Championships – Selected students (back up day Wednesday May 7)                                     

Wednesday 7 May                    GISSA Year 7 – information to come

Wednesday 7 May                    Mother’s Day Pamper Afternoon – Prep to Year 6

Thursday 8 May                        Open Day – Please refer to flyers

Round 1 of Year 5 and 6 Winter Carnival 1pm – 3.25pm – Year 5 and 6

Friday 9 May                            Assembly Year 5 – 7

Friday 9 May                            Mothers Day Stall – Prep to Year 6 only

“Do it for Dolly” Wear Blue – Year 5-7 only – more information to come

Adventure, Imagination and Wildlife Wonders at Bush Prep

On Monday, our Preps embarked on a wonderful afternoon of exploration and learning at our first Bush Discovery Learning session for the year. Their imaginations took flight in the great outdoors as they engaged in a variety of self-directed activities. Utilising the various teepees which have been constructed previously by various Surf Coast campus students, the children entered a world of fun and pretend play, creating their own villages full of interesting characters. The Preps established obstacle courses which challenged their agility and persistence, as well as building special fairy gardens for imaginative play. We spotted wildlife wonders, including the resident mob of kangaroos that inhabit Spring Creek and some crawly little critters like the Slater Beetles, or Butchy Boys as some of the students referred to them.

Bush Discovery is an important part of our Preppies’ learning journey; it’s an opportunity for them to grow, learn, and see the world through a different lens. Their imaginations were on full display this week, and as educators, we couldn’t be prouder of their curiosity and enthusiasm.

Celebrating the ANZACs

Over the past two weeks, our Year 1s have settled beautifully back into the school term and shown an amazing attitude towards their learning. Even with a short first week, the students worked incredibly hard and enjoyed taking part in special activities for ANZAC Day. We had a great time cooking together and dressing up in army gear. The children explored the different clothes, equipment, and items that soldiers used to help protect and serve their country, showing great curiosity and respect.

Back in the classroom, we jumped straight into our IDL topic on animals and their habitats. The students have loved discovering where different animals live and what helps them survive. One of the highlights has been learning about a cheeky little menace called Morris the Mole—he kept us laughing and learning! It’s been a wonderful start to the term, and we are so proud of how engaged and enthusiastic Year 1 students have been.

Remembering the ANZACs and ‘To the Bridge’

The Year 2s have settled back into school life extremely well after a lovely restful holiday, celebrating Easter and being with family and friends. During Week 1, we learnt about the soldiers who fought for our freedom at Gallipoli. We read a book titled ‘ANZAC Biscuits’, a very thought-provoking story of the parallels of life for a family back home and their father serving in the war. The students had many questions and thoughts about the landing at Gallipoli 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 take them home to eat!!

During Week 2, we focused on the book ‘To the Bridge’ where we discussed the true story of a 9-year old boy riding his horse from Leongatha in Victoria to Sydney to see the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932.

We have been investigating different addition and subtraction strategies for our ‘Maths Toolbelt’. Students have enjoyed creating their own equations and solving them on an empty number line by breaking the number into hundreds, tens and ones.

Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Christian College Musicians on ANZAC Day Stages 

Some of Melbourne’s major ANZAC Day commemorations involved musicians with a deep connection to Christian College. 

Our Head of Brass, Mr Sean Rankin, played the Last Post and Rouse before the annual ANZAC Day AFL clash between Essendon and Collingwood on Friday afternoon, in front of a crowd of more than 92,000, and millions more television viewers. Earlier, Sean had also performed at the RAAF Base Williams Point Cook dawn service. 

On ANZAC eve, alumnus Bailey Lake (2018), was the bugler at the AFL game between Richmond and Melbourne, which drew a crowd of more than 71,000 as well as a huge television viewing audience.  

Sean is a member of the AirForce Band in the RAAF. Bailey is in the Australian Army Band, Melbourne. Sean was Bailey’s trumpet teacher at Senior School. We proudly celebrate the achievements of all Christian College musicians – students past and present, and staff.  

You can see a video clip of Sean Rankin’s ANZAC Day performance here. 

Year 3 Camp at Queenscliff

This week, our Year 3 students headed to Camp Wyuna in Queenscliff for three days of fun, learning, and adventure alongside our Bellarine campus friends. We arrived with much anticipation and were introduced to the amazing camp staff and the activities for the afternoon.

We were blessed with beautiful weather, which meant plenty of beach time, team-building games, pizza making, treasure hunts, canoeing, and a visit to the Marine Discovery Centre where we learnt about all the amazing local sea life and got to even touch aquatic creatures in the touch tank. Students loved their free time around the camp and especially in the Gaga pit with some very fierce competitive contests taking place.

It was wonderful to see so many students stepping out of their comfort zones, building friendships, and making memories. Lots of tired but proud campers returned home with big smiles and full hearts.

Year 4s Dive Into the Dynasties of China

Our Year 4 students have embarked on an exciting new unit this term titled ’Dynasties of China’. This unit has sparked a great deal of curiosity and enthusiasm among the students as they delve into the rich history of ancient China.

This week students have been exploring the life and achievements of China’s first emperor, Shihungdi. The students have been fascinated to learn how Shihungdi managed to unite the various warring states into a single country. His efforts laid the foundation for a unified China, which has had a lasting impact on the nation’s history.

In addition to unifying the states, Shihungdi introduced several significant initiatives that helped standardise and streamline the empire. The students discovered how he implemented a common calendar, a unified money system, and a standardised measuring system. These changes were crucial in creating a sense of unity across the vast empire. Furthermore, Shihungdi’s ambitious infrastructure projects, such as building roads and canals, facilitated travel and communication within the empire, much like the Romans did in their own empire.

The Year 4s have also enjoyed a hands-on activity where they learned to draw ancient Chinese coins. Following a step-by-step online tutorial, the students were able to create their own artistic representations of these historical artifacts. This activity not only enhanced their understanding of ancient Chinese culture but also allowed them to express their creativity.

Stay tuned for more updates on their journey through history!

Back to School for Term 2! 

Year 5s 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. 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. This week we had students heading to Geelong College and Kardinia Park to play in their chosen sport.  

We are reading the novel by Morris Gleitzman, ‘Boy Overboard’ as our text study this term. This has been a fantastic opportunity for the two classes of Year 5 students to come together for their learning. As we are reading this novel, we are exploring what life may be like for children who grow up in other countries around the world and how their lives differ to ours. It has been a wonderful opportunity for conversations and discussions about how we live and how blessed we are. This is going to be an amazing term of learning for our students, and for reflection about how we live compared to others.  

During Week 1, which was very short, we had the opportunity to do an activity that the we as staff had undertaken on or first day back. In groups of four, students had to take four ordinary, everyday objects and make them into a new, fantastic product. It was so much fun to see the students working so well collaboratively and creatively. I was so impressed with the depth of thinking that was demonstrated. Our future generation is going to impress us with their ideas and thinking.  

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 and those across the whole of Year 5 are amazing to watch. 

🎙️ Surf Coast Students set the Standard With First-Ever Video Podcast

This week marked a very special moment in our Surf Coast campus journey, as two of our Year 6 students, Harry and Maddie, launched our very first student-led video podcast—and they did so with professionalism, confidence, and creativity beyond their years.

The inaugural episode featured none other than our new Executive Principal, Dr Joubert, as the special guest. From start to finish, Harry and Maddie were at the helm: they planned the episode structure, drafted thoughtful and engaging questions, practiced their delivery, and recorded the final product with poise.

The podcast struck a perfect balance between light-hearted curiosity and meaningful reflection. Maddie and Harry not only made Dr Joubert feel welcome, but also took the opportunity to ask questions about her journey in education, what inspires her as a leader, and what advice she has for young learners.

Beyond just producing a great first episode, Harry and Maddie have set the standard for innovative, student-led learning at Christian College. Congratulations, Harry and Maddie!

A Big Week of Sport for our Students

This term has started with many sporting opportunities for our students, filled with various sporting events and remarkable achievements.

This term kicked off with the Deakin Cross Country event, held at Easter Gardens Geelon in perfect weather conditions for running. Our students represented our college and campus with pride, putting in their best efforts and showcasing their dedication.

Community basketball also commenced this week, with our very own Surf Coast Eagles teams hitting both the netball and basketball courts. A big thank you to Edwina Norgard for supporting the administration and organisation of these teams. We also extend our gratitude to our parent coaches and parent team managers for their ongoing leadership and commitment.

The Year 7 Interschool sport students visited the Bellarine campus for practice matches in soccer, AFL, and netball, preparing for the upcoming GISSA Round Robin Competition.  This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to mingle with friends from other campuses and enjoy sports together.

Balancing Routines, Free Time and School Success 

As your child grows from Prep through to Year 12, finding the right balance between structured routines and free time becomes more important than ever. While it’s crucial they have space to relax, explore and just “be kids,” consistent routines—especially during the school term—play a big part in helping them succeed at school. 

Why Routines Make a Difference 

Children and teens of all ages feel more secure and confident when they know what to expect. Predictable routines reduce stress, improve focus, and help your child manage daily responsibilities with greater ease. 

In fact, research shows that students who follow regular routines—like consistent sleep schedules, designated homework time, and screen-free wind-downs—tend to perform better at school. They're more likely to stay organised, complete tasks on time, and retain what they learn. 

Simple daily habits can support: 

• Time management 

• Better sleep and focus 

• Reduced last-minute stress 

• Healthier habits like reading, exercise and family connection 

Welcoming Friends From Lombok

On Tuesday, our school had the pleasure of welcoming 18 students and three staff members from our sister school in Lombok, SMA Negeri 2 Mataram at the Official College Indonesian Welcome Service at the Senior Campus. Indonesian language students from Senior School, Middle School, Bellarine and Surf Coast campuses joined the celebration, marking the 30th anniversary of our proud reciprocal exchange with SMA Negeri 2 Mataram. 

The occasion began with a moving performance of the Indonesian national anthem by our school’s strings ensemble and choir. The visiting students then introduced themselves in English—bringing laughter and confidence to the stage as they spoke impressively in their second language. They also treated us to a vibrant traditional dance performance, showcasing their culture with energy and pride. 

Following the Welcome Service, staff from Mataram joined Executive Principal Dr Mathilda Joubert and Vice Principal Mr Rick Geall, together with Christian College Indonesian language staff past and present, and others involved over the years in our exchange program, for the unveiling of a plaque next to a recently planted tree marking our 30-year relationship. 

Our visitors are staying with their Christian College host families until May 11, and will be visiting various campuses and points of interest around Geelong, including Serendip Sanctuary, the Botanic Gardens and Eastern Beach as well as spending a day in Melbourne while they are here. 

This special visit is a wonderful reminder of the strong bond between our schools. We’re incredibly proud of three decades of friendship, cultural exchange, and shared learning—and we look forward to many more. 

Your Cookbook of Family Favourites – Calling for Recipes  

Dear Christian College Families,

Our names are Elisha Williams and Willow McInnes, and we are the Middle School-Highton campus Community Building and Outreach Prefects.

We are thrilled to share that we are introducing the Christian College Geelong cookbook, which will be an important fundraiser for the Christian College Foundation. All the proceeds from the cookbook will be donated to the Eternity Fund. By supporting this initiative you will be enabling, empowering, and changing the lives of young people from families who are experiencing hardship.

This will be a hardcover book which will include recipes from families and members of the Christian College Geelong community and will be titled, ‘Our Family Favourites’. If you have a special family recipe that you would like to share, we would love for you to contribute to the book. We encourage our community to contribute one favourite recipe.

Open Day – May 8, Spread the Word!

Christian College is holding its second and final Open Day for 2025 on May 8. All campuses and kindergartens are opening their doors for any interested parents, guardians and their children to visit and learn more about how a Christian College education helps students to flourish in many ways. No booking is required and guided tours are available that take in real classes in real time at all campuses. Visitors can meet students, staff and campus leaders and have their questions answered.

We are also offering Discover Prep sessions at Junior School-Belmont, Bellarine and Surf Coast Campuses, as well as a Discover Year 7 session at Surf Coast. These provide the opportunity to join a class and experience their real-time learning with them. The Discover sessions at Belmont and Surf Coast campuses are on Open Day (May 8), with Bellarine Campus hosting its Discover Prep session on May 29. Please note, these Discover sessions require booking.

We would encourage all within our College community to spread the word about our May 8 Open Day to any family, friends or other connections who might be interested in learning more about the Christian College approach to educating and nurturing the whole person and our unparalleled offerings at all levels from K to 12.

Further information, including campus and kinder opening times and links to bookings for the Discover sessions at three campuses, are available on the Christian College website – click on the hotlink at the top of our homepage, or go there directly by clicking here

Treasure Island – Showtime Next Week! 

Excitement is mounting as the opening performance of the middle years production of Treasure Island approaches. The talented young cast drawn from the Bellarine, Surfcoast and Highton campuses have been rehearsing since February to bring the iconic Robert Louis Stevenson story to life and as a bonus experiencing all of the benefits of participation in a college production.  

With infectious enthusiasm from the cast of 10-14 year olds and creative direction from drama teachers Kelly Clifford and Taylah Broad Treasure Island offers an entertaining theatre experience for the whole family. The auditorium at the Bellarine campus will be transformed to a mysterious island, complete with palm trees, pirates and plenty of adventure.  

 The play will be staged at 1pm and 7pm on Friday May 23 and 1pm and 5.30pm on Saturday May 24. Tickets are available by clicking on the Treasure Island hotlink at the top of the Christian College homepage.