Surf Coast Term 2 Week 3

Seeking Solace, Feeling Safe

As our evenings are becoming darker and Autumn settles in, the air becomes crisp, and the landscape transforms with hues of colour that evoke warmth and comfort. Autumn colours not only beautify the natural landscape, but also this season reminds me of moments of transition and change.

During this season of change, children and young people seek solace in the familiarity of their surroundings, the warmth of their community and in the comforting presence of God's love. When children experience a sense of happiness, safety, and security, they are not only better equipped to engage fully in the daily activities and interactions within their school environment, but this experience also nurtures their overall sense of wellbeing.

It was deeply concerning to hear of the violent incident occurring in Bondi just over a week ago and this distressing news may have children feeling anxious or fearful or for some, an eroded sense of safety and security.  A strong sense of wellbeing is intimately connected to safety and security and as highlighted by Maslow's well known psychological model of the hierarchy of needs, safety is deemed fundamental, positioned just above physiological needs such as food and shelter. It is difficult to know how to explain acts of violence to children but it recommended that we provide children and young people exposed to violent or traumatic events reassurance that they are safe and that they are loved and that in their community there are more people who help others than harm others. Focusing on the kindness of bystanders and the first responders who courageously work to keep us safe from harm fosters hope.

As one of our College’s guiding values, hope is moving forward with assurance, regardless of circumstances. Whilst the seasons may change, God’s love for us remains steadfast. As Psalm 18:2 declares, God will be my rock.

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 4

Tuesday 7 May                          Open Day

Wednesday 8 May                    Prep Discovery Open Day

Wednesday 8 May                    Mother’s Day Pamper Afternoon 3pm – 4.30pm – more information to come

Wednesday 8 May                    Mother’s Day Stall

Thursday 9 May                        Prep Discovery Open Day

Friday 10 May                           Mother’s Day Stall – Please refer SEQTA information

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.  

Bush Prep

On Monday, the Surf Coast Preppies bubbled with excitement as they embarked on their inaugural Discovery Learning Bush adventure of the year!

En route to the Spring Creek valley, the Preps engaged in lively conversations with their peers, their eyes peeled for the subtle signs of crickets and wildlife tracks. It was our good fortune to encounter an impressive gathering of Kangaroos along the way!

Upon reaching our destination, the Preps nestled into the greenery, employing their senses to appreciate the crisp scents and gentle whispers of nature around them.

The day was filled with joy as the children collaborated to construct teepees and sanctuaries for animals, ventured on a quest for tiny insects and grubs, and even excavated the earth in search of prehistoric treasures!

In the embrace of the Surf Coast, the students harboured a deep appreciation for the wondrous creations of God. It was indeed a magnificent afternoon.

All About Habitats

This week, the enthusiastic explorers of Year 1 embarked on an educational journey to Spring Creek, immersing themselves in the wonders of our natural environment. Guided by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, they delved into habitats, discovering the secrets of how living organisms flourish in their surroundings.

Inquisitive minds pondered questions that sparked deeper understanding:
Who are the local inhabitants of this ecosystem?
What are the essential ingredients for their existence?
In what ways can we extend them a helping hand ?

Armed with these inquiries, Year 1 embarked on a quest for insight, observing and documenting life in Spring Creek. But their journey didn’t end there. Inspired by their discoveries, Year 1 eagerly embraced the opportunity to channel their newfound knowledge into action. Their mission? To prepare an Information Report, shedding light on the unique relationship between an animal and its habitat. Through this endeavour, they will not only deepen their understanding but also share their insights with peers and teachers.

With each subsequent visit planned for this term, Year 1 aims to collect materials that will breathe life into a habitat within their very own classroom. Through hands-on experiences and collaborative efforts, they will construct a sanctuary that mirrors the natural wonders they’ve encountered, fostering an appreciation for the world around them.

Our Amazing Trip to Senior School

On Wednesday this week the Year 2 students had an amazing trip to senior school, where they were able to engage in a range of activities developed by the Year 11 Vocational Major students. The Year 11 Vocational Major students developed these activities as part of their Personal Development studies and aimed to provide a fun experience for the Year 2 students that promoted the health benefits of eating a range of different vegetables. Everyone had a such a fantastic time and learnt a lot about vegetables.

The activities ranged from harvesting, workshops discussing the health benefits of particular veggies and preparing delicious vegetable snacks. The Year 2 students left with their very own recipe booked developed by the Senior School students. The students even were able to fit in a kick game of kick-to-kick with the big kids too. A very big thank you to Kerryn Fearnsides and the year 11 VM Personal Development students who made this experience possible. Well done to the amazing Year 2s who all fully engaged in the activities and really appreciated this very special experience. So much fun had by all!

Hands-on Mathematics

The Year 3 students have been getting hands-on with their Maths this week. As part of our measurement unit, we have been revising the properties of shapes and investigating perimeters. The week began with learning about units of measurement and the need to ensure the units remain consistent during the measurement process. Then the students measured various objects with different items, collated their findings in a table and then analysed the results. They drew some interesting conclusions about how different measurement units affected the count and then made further predictions. The next measurement lesson introduced formal units and the students have been perfecting their ability to use a ruler correctly to calculate accurate measurements. Again, there were many ideas and suggestions proffered to make the measurement process simpler, including clever formulas to calculate the perimeter of various objects. It has been wonderful listening to the incidental conversations and observations as the Year 3 students have compared processes and findings during Maths this week.

Delving Deeper Into ANZAC Day

Our Year 4 devotions last week had an ANZAC Day focus, where the children were encouraged to consider the price of war and the sacrifice of those who have gone before. They were also encouraged to consider the greatest sacrifice of all; the death of Jesus on the cross.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Our sessions included reading a range of picture story books together on this theme and watching a number of short clips. Our class discussions, which covered ideas about war, peace, commemoration and respect for others, were rich and deep in their content.

Culminating in our Prep buddy session last Friday, the children worked together to create a large wreath and we think you will agree that the final creation was something special. Paired with their Prep buddy, the children moved around the school collecting leaves, flowers and small branches from the native plants we find in our play areas. They then worked together to add their collection to the large wreath.

It was such a precious way to end a week of learning about this significant day.  

“Once” – a Child’s Wartime Story

Year 6T began reading the captivating “Once” by Morris Gleitzman. The students have approached this novel with enthusiasm and maturity, demonstrating a keen interest in finding out more about the cultural struggles of that time.

“Once” is a gripping story set during World War II, narrated by a young Jewish boy named Felix. This book takes us on a compelling and emotional exploration of one child’s experiences during a dark period of history. Through Felix’s eyes, we witness the harsh realities of war, the importance of hope, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

In our discussions and activities about “Once,” we have explored Felix’s Hope vs Felix’s Reality. We have investigated how Felix, at times, can be an unreliable narrator and it is our job as the reader to infer the reality of the situations he is facing. We have analysed the situations that have slowly turned his unrelenting optimism into doubt and realisation.

One of the highlights of our study has been the thoughtful classroom conversations sparked by this book. Students have been eager to share their reflections, ask probing questions, and make connections between Felix’s experiences and broader historical contexts. These discussions have not only enhanced their understanding of the novel but have also encouraged empathy and compassion for those affected by historical events.

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!