From the Executive Principal
On Monday this week ex-student and double Olympic gold medallist Jakara Anthony OAM came to visit the school. It was wonderful for our students to be inspired by her example – and to think that she once sat in the same seats as they are now sitting. Jakara was the one who inspired our theme for this year, Striving for Excellence, when she explained last year when she was inducted into the CCG Sports Hall of Honour that she always strives for excellence in everything she does.
This week we also saw striving for excellence on full display as 150 students from across all five of our campuses came together on Tuesday evening for the Cross-Campus String Ensembles Concert. Just two days later, on Thursday evening, a further 180 students took to the stage for the Cross-Campus College Bands Night. These two remarkable events showcased the spirit of excellence, unity and commitment that lies at the heart of our College community.
From our youngest Junior School performers to our most experienced Senior School musicians, it was truly inspiring to see students of all ages performing side by side. It was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when individuals work together toward a common goal.
I recognise that sporting or musical excellence does not occur by chance; it is the result of countless hours of training or practice, persistence through challenges, and a willingness to continually improve. In music, each rehearsal, each correction, and each moment of focus contribute to the final performance we eventually see on stage. Our students demonstrated discipline in learning their parts, resilience in refining difficult passages, and courage in performing before an audience.
Our ensembles and bands were magnificent, yet behind every polished performance lies an often-unseen story of dedication and hard work. Students have to balance rehearsals with academic, sporting and family commitments, practise independently, and collaborate with peers and teachers to refine their skills. In doing so, they develop habits that extend far beyond the music room. The discipline required to practise regularly, the focus needed to master complex pieces, and the perseverance to overcome challenges all contribute to success in academic studies and personal development.
Perhaps most importantly, these events highlighted the strength and unity of our school community. Bringing together students from across all five campuses fosters a deep sense of belonging and shared purpose, allowing students to form new connections, learn from one another, and take pride in being part of something larger than themselves. I also love the fact that several alumni also attended these evenings, because they still feel a sense of connection to the College.
Next week our whole Senior School community will also come together to participate in House Music where every single one of our Year 10, 11 and 12 students will take to the stage in a glorious celebration of unity and house spirit as they compete for the House Music Cup. Many of these students are also currently rehearsing for the College Musical Production, Godspell, which will take to the stage on June 5 and 6. Tickets for the opening night are already sold out, but there are still some seats for the matinee and evening performances on June 6. If you and your family love musical theatre, make sure you get yourself some tickets before they sell out. I have popped into some of the rehearsals and loved seeing the drama skills and choreography developing whilst hearing the songs written by Stephen Schwartz who also wrote the music for Wicked.
Our Year 6 students from our three Middle School campuses and a group of Year 11 students are also gearing up to travel to Canberra over the next few weeks for an unforgettable learning experience beyond the classroom. Whether it is on the sports field, in a music rehearsal, in the classroom or on a camp, there are always opportunities for our students to truly strive for excellence.
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Executive Principal
What’s Happening at Surf Coast?
WEEK 5
Monday 18 May – City to Surf Winter Lightning Premiership – Year 5 & 6
Tuesday 19 May – SSV Geelong North Division– 2026 Cross Country Championships – (selected students in Year 4 -6)
Wednesday 20 May – Timor Leste Independence Day
Wednesday 20 May – GISSA Interschool Sport – Year 7 & 8 – 1.00pm
Thursday 21 May – Come and Try Prep – New Prep Families – 9.30am – 10.30am
Friday 22 May – Arthur Reed Photos – commences 9.15am
WEEK 6
Monday 25 – Friday 29 May – Year 6 Camp to Canberra
Monday 25 May – SSAV Golf Championships (selected student in Year 7 & 8)
Wednesday 27 May – GISSA Major Title – 2026 Cross Country Championships (selected students in Year 7 & 8)
Wednesday 27 May – Junior Choir Excursion to Kithbrooke Country Club – 10.00am – 11.20am
Thursday 28 May – Lunchtime Music Concert – Stadium Music Room – 1.00pm (selected students)
Friday 29 May – Junior School Assembly – 9.00am
Friday 29 May – Prep Bush Discovery Session – 11.30am-1.00pm
WEEK 7
Monday 1 June – Indonesian Dance Excursion – Year 8 – 11.00am – 1.00pm
Tuesday 2 June – GISSA AFL Championships – Junior Female (selected students in Yer 7 & 8)
Wednesday 3 June – GISSA Interschool Sport – Year 7 & 8 – 1.00pm
Thursday 4 June – Year 5 Native Animal Incursion
Thursday 4 – 6 June – Senior School Musical Production – Godspell
Friday 5 June – Prep Bush Discovery Session – 11.30am-1.00pm
IDL Prep: Learning About Vets and Vet Nurses
Each week this term in IDL, Prep students are learning about significant people in our community and the important roles they play in helping others. This week, our focus was on vets and vet nurses and the wonderful work they do in caring for our much-loved pets and animals.
Students explored the role of a veterinarian and discovered how vets help animals stay healthy and safe. They learned about some of the tools vets use, discussed how animals are helped when they are sick or injured, and even investigated what animal x-rays can look like. Students were highly engaged in discussions about how vets care for animals of all shapes and sizes.
Prep students eagerly discussed their own pets and how to care for them. They shared stories about their pets or the pets they would like to own. Students talked about their pets’ needs, including food and water, shelter, toys, games and activities their pets enjoy. They also learned about the importance of visiting a vet to help keep pets healthy.
The highlight of their learning was the opportunity for students to role-play as vets and vet nurses in our classroom animal clinic. There was much excitement as students carefully examined the animals, applied bandages where needed, brushed the animals, listened to their heartbeat and breathing, checked their fur and made sure each animal was well cared for. Through this role-play experience, students developed imagination, teamwork, and an understanding of how important vets and vet nurses are in our community.
It was wonderful to see the students so engaged and enthusiastic as they learned about vets and vet nurses in our community.
Melissa Smith
Year 2 Maths – Learning About Time
This week in Maths, our Year 2 students began an exciting new unit on time and learning how to read an analogue clock. The children have started exploring the different parts of a clock, including the clock face, numbers, hour hand and minute hand.
Throughout the week, students have been introduced to how the numbers on a clock help us tell the time and have begun practising simple times such as o’clock. It has been wonderful to see so many students already sharing their prior knowledge and making connections to time in their everyday lives.
The excitement and enthusiasm around this new topic has been fantastic to see, with many students eager to participate, ask questions and challenge themselves during Maths lessons. Over the coming weeks, we will continue building our understanding of time as students learn about half past, quarter past, and how the hands move around the clock face.
We are looking forward to continuing this learning journey together and watching the students grow in confidence as they develop this important life skill.
Caitlin Maher
Sarah Dean
Sarah Jones
Year 4 Maths – Exploring Many Different Areas
This week Year 4s have been actively exploring the concepts of perimeter and area, engaging in a range of hands‑on activities designed to build confidence and deepen understanding. This unit has been especially enjoyable, with students showing great enthusiasm for building, making, and experimenting as part of their maths learning.
To investigate perimeter, students created a variety of regular and irregular shapes using both formal measurements (such as rulers and grid paper) and informal tools, including icy pole sticks, counters and string. They loved the challenge of constructing shapes with specific perimeters, testing, adjusting, and redesigning as they went. These practical tasks helped them identify how the perimeter changes when different sides are added, removed, or rearranged.
When learning about area, students used tiles, squares, and everyday classroom objects to measure it informally before moving on to the accurate calculation of area using standard units. They explored how the area calculation of regular shapes can be straightforward, while working out the area of irregular shapes often requires more creative strategies. They also enjoyed covering surfaces, comparing shapes, and discovering how different designs can vary the amount of space an object occupies.
Across all activities, students were encouraged to explain their thinking, justify their choices, and compare different strategies. This hands‑on approach helps in the development of strong foundational skills in measurement and makes Maths engaging and meaningful.
Sam Jacka
Year 6 Peer Mediation Program
Our Year 6 students have been actively participating in Peer Mediation training this term, developing the skills and confidence needed to support younger students in the playground.
Throughout the program, students have been learning and practising peer mediation scripts and engaging in a range of role play scenarios. There has been lots of fun and laughter along the way as students work through realistic situations and learn how to respond calmly and respectfully to conflict.
These activities have helped students build important communication, problem-solving and active listening skills. Students have also been learning how to recognise and respond to the emotions of others, supporting peers to work through problems together rather than solving problems for them.
Peer mediation encourages students to take responsibility for resolving disagreements peacefully and collaboratively. By working through structured mediation processes, students are learning how conflict can affect others and how positive communication can lead to fair and successful outcomes.
In the coming weeks, students will receive their Peer Mediation Accreditation, recognising their commitment and readiness to take on this important leadership role within the school community.
Students have also recently been invited to submit applications for Peer Mediation Leader positions. We look forward to celebrating the leadership, empathy and responsibility shown by our Year 6 cohort as they continue preparing to support their peers across the school.
Dakota Whitten
Drama Incursion
Our Year 6 students recently took part in a powerful and inspiring Drama Incursion led by guest artist Chi Vu – an award-winning playwright, prose writer and highly experienced workshop facilitator. Chi has worked extensively across schools and community arts settings, and her visit provided students with a rare opportunity to learn directly from a professional working artist.
Drawing on her personal journey as a Vietnamese-born artist who migrated to Australia, Chi shared a compelling critical voice that explored themes of identity, migration and belonging. Students engaged in discussions and drama exercises about real-world experiences and how stories from our own lives can be transformed into meaningful theatre.
Through a range of practical drama activities, students developed skills in storytelling, devising and expressive performance, using personal narratives as creative stimulus. They explored how theatre can be a powerful tool for communication, empathy and connection with an audience.
The incursion was pivotal in providing rich inspiration for students’ classwork and supporting their major performance outcome for the semester. It was a memorable learning experience that deepened students’ understanding of how drama can reflect lived experiences and give voice to diverse perspectives.
Taylah Broad
Year 8s Step Back in Time!
Our Year 8 Medieval Day was a huge success, bringing History to life in the most exciting way! Throughout the day, students took part in a range of hands-on activities connected to their Medieval History studies. They learned medieval dancing, explored what armour looked like and how it protected knights, discovered what life was like for peasants, and even played games enjoyed during medieval times.
One of the highlights of the day was the costume parade, where students proudly showed off their creative and impressive medieval outfits. The day provided students with the opportunity to learn in a way that moved beyond the traditional classroom setting, with interactive activities, collaboration and plenty of laughter along the way. The enthusiasm and fun throughout the day were contagious, making Medieval Day a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Claire Deretic
Celebrating Our Young Mathematicians!
We are thrilled to share the outstanding achievements of our students in this year’s Kangourou Sans Frontières Mathematics Competition. This internationally recognized event celebrates problem-solving, logical reasoning, and a love of mathematics among students across the globe.
Our students demonstrated incredible dedication, perseverance, and mathematical creativity while tackling a wide range of challenging questions. Their participation alone reflects a strong commitment to academic excellence, and their results have made our school community extremely proud.
We would like to congratulate all our students who participated and extend a special congratulations to our highest achievers, whose exceptional scores placed them among the top competitors. Their hard work and passion for mathematics truly stood out.
Distinction:
Hope S (Yr 6)
Credit:
Year 3
Grayson C
Marley J
Henrik L-W
Jackson S
Karissa S
Year 4
Oliver B
Year 5
Hugo L
Year 6
John B
Luca J
Year 7
Eitan E
Sam C
Taylor K
Ruby W
Year 8
Tom B
The Kangourou competition is more than just a test—it inspires curiosity, builds problem-solving abilities, and encourages students to think creatively. Participation helps develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Once again, congratulations to all students who took part. Your efforts and achievements are something to celebrate, and we look forward to even greater success next year!
Sharon Sutton
May Awareness Initiatives Across Our College
As we progress through Term 2, May presents a particularly rich opportunity for learning, reflection, and community connection, with a number of important awareness initiatives taking place across our College campuses.
Among these are Timor-Leste Independence Day and National Reconciliation Week, both of which offer meaningful opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of history, culture, and global citizenship.
Timor-Leste Independence Day, held on Wednesday, May 20, honours the resilience, courage, and independence of one of Australia’s closest neighbours. This celebration holds special significance for our College community given our close connection with the community of Viqueque in Timor-Leste, which will be strengthened further as our Year 12 Prefects prepare to visit later this term.
National Reconciliation Week, from May 27 to June 3, invites all Australians to reflect on our shared history and consider how we can contribute to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In addition to these key events, campuses will also be engaging in a range of other age-appropriate awareness activities throughout the month.
You may notice optional opportunities for families to support some of these initiatives through fundraising or donation activities. We understand that multiple initiatives in a short period can present challenges, and we want to reassure families that there is no expectation or obligation to contribute financially. Our focus remains on ensuring that each initiative is acknowledged and valued.
We encourage families to use these occasions as opportunities for meaningful conversations at home—exploring the purpose and significance of each initiative and, where appropriate, deciding together how you may wish to engage or show support.
Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership in nurturing our students’ awareness, compassion, and understanding of the wider world around them.
Rick Geall, Vice Principal
All Bands on Stage! CCG’s All Bands Night Concert
On Thursday evening this week, the College Concert and Stage Bands from the Middle and Senior Schools performed a concert for family and friends in the Highton Middle School SAC.
Thanks so much to all who were able to attend and enjoy the music at this all-campus band celebration!
The evening saw 180 students from Years 2 – 12 perform in one or more of their campus bands. There was a huge range of repertoire presented, many featuring wonderful solo work by students.
These band musicians are tutored by the team of instrumental staff who provide the wonderful tuition to give them the skills and confidence to perform in the College bands program. Our Bands are also so fortunate to have highly skilled ensemble directors to conduct and encourage them to grow in their ensemble skills – Mr Sean Rankin, Mr David Gardner, Mr Rob Moffatt, Mr Andrew Dunlop and I were so proud of the students and congratulate them for a great night of performances.
Thanks so much to the parents of the College band members, who transport their musicians to/from rehearsals, encouraging them to practice, and provide support to the music program and staff. We appreciate the village that continues to encourage the program to grow and flourish!
Please enjoy some photos and a copy of the program from the evening below.
Fiona Gardner, Director of Music
College String Ensemble Evening
On Tuesday this week, all seven of the College String Ensembles gathered at the RW Gibson centre for our annual String performance evening. Junior and Middle ensembles from Bellarine, Surf Coast, Belmont and Highton, as well as the Senior String Ensemble performed for each other and their families in a wonderful celebration of the College String Program.
Each ensemble played elegantly and with great poise, owing to the great work of their conductors and instrumental teachers. It was heartwarming to see students of different abilities and ages play with the same tone and resonant sound. A musical treat was provided by Year 6 student Oscar Wang who performed Stanley Meyer’s Cavatina for Classical Guitar with the Senior Strings-a truly magical musical moment. Congratulations to all performers!
A special thank you to the conductors Rebecca Bertoncello and Matheus Oliviera; String instrumental staff Miriam Bell, Jeanette Carnie, Catie Martin, Cecilia Bell, Olivia Sagor and Shohreh Mehrabadi; and of course our accompanists Tammy Treloar, Molly Hanson and Stephanie Lawrence.
Martin De Marte, Head of Strings
Academic Excellence and Music Excellence Scholarships – Applications Open!
Applications are now open for Academic Excellence Scholarships – for entry to Years 5 to 11 in 2028.
Any interested parents, guardians and families with children in Years 3 to 9 in 2026 are welcome to apply, including families who have children currently enrolled at Christian College.
Applications for Academic Excellence scholarships close on August 6.
Also open to both Christian College families, and families with children in other schools, are our Music Excellence Scholarships. These are open for students entering Years 5 to 12 in 2027 or 2028.
Applications for all Christian College scholarships can be made via our website. Click here to visit our Scholarships page, where you’ll find more information about all the scholarships we offer. From there you can click on the individual scholarship tiles for more specific details, and to apply.
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