From the Executive Principal
I am currently in Canberra with our Year 6 students from Bellarine and Highton campuses, and it has been an absolute privilege to share in such a rich and meaningful learning experience with them. Their curiosity and enthusiasm have shone through in everything we have done.
Our visits to many significant national institutions have provided invaluable opportunities for learning that simply cannot be replicated within the classroom. On Thursday alone we visited: the Australian Mint, Old Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, and Questacon. Each venue has sparked thoughtful questions, lively discussions, and moments of genuine wonder, as students engaged deeply with Australia’s history, culture, governance, and scientific innovation.
Experiential learning of this kind allows students to make authentic connections between what they have learned at school and the real world. Whether standing in the chambers of Parliament, exploring artistic expression, or interacting with hands-on science exhibits, our students have been immersed in learning that is both memorable and transformative. These are the moments that ignite lifelong curiosity, and it is such a privilege that we can offer our students these opportunities.
I have also been incredibly proud of our Year 6 cohort. They looked beautiful in their new Year 6 jumpers, their behaviour has been exemplary, and they have represented our school community with maturity, respect, and kindness. They have supported one another, listened attentively, and conducted themselves with confidence in a wide range of settings. I am also incredibly grateful to the compassionate guidance provided by the exceptional staff team who accompanied our students on the trip.
This experience is especially significant at this pivotal stage in the schooling journey of our students. Year 6 is a time of growth, reflection, and preparation for the transition into the rigours of secondary schooling. Opportunities like this Canberra trip help to build independence, deepen understanding, and create lasting memories with peers. Next week our Surf Coast Year 6 students will get the same opportunity, and I can’t wait to hear about their experiences.
My involvement in the Canberra trip meant that I missed out on attending the Senior School House Music competition this week. I know for so many of our Senior School staff and students, this event is the highlight of their year. I encourage you to have a look at our social media platforms today, and the Senior School Vine next week, to find out more about this day that so beautifully reflects the sense of unity and school pride that our students embody.
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Executive Principal
Geoff Trevaskis Farewell
After 22 years of faithful service at Christian College, we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Geoff Trevaskis for the incredible contribution he has made to our College community, particularly within the Art, Technology and Design (ATD) area of the school.
Throughout his time with us, Geoff has shared his remarkable gifts, talents and creativity with countless students, staff and families. His passion for design, innovation and hands-on learning has inspired generations of students and helped shape the ATD program into the thriving and engaging space it is today. Geoff’s ability to encourage students to think creatively, solve problems and take pride in their work has left a lasting impact that will continue well beyond his time at the College.
Beyond his skills in the classroom, Geoff has been a valued colleague and friend who has generously shared his knowledge, wisdom and encouragement with those around him. His calm presence, dedication and commitment to excellence have been deeply appreciated across many areas of College life.
As Geoff now begins a new season and explores new challenges and opportunities, we thank him for the extraordinary service he has given over more than two decades. While he will certainly be missed, we are excited for what lies ahead for him and know that he will continue to make a positive difference wherever he goes.
On behalf of the entire Christian College community, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Geoff for his faithful contribution and commitment over the past 22 years. We pray that God richly blesses Geoff in this next chapter, granting him joy, fulfilment, good health and exciting new opportunities as he steps into all that the future holds.
Debbie Riddle, Head of Campus
What’s Happening at Surf Coast?
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
Wednesday 27 May – Wednesday 3 June – National Reconciliation Week
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
Monday 1 June – Responsible Pet Ownership Incursion – Prep & Year 1 students
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 – Middle School Assembly
Friday 5 June – Prep Bush Discovery Session – 11.30am-1.00pm
WEEK 8
Monday 8 June – Public Holiday – No students at school
Wednesday 10 June – First Responders Day – Project Care Event
Wednesday 10 June – GISSA Yr. 7 & 8 Interschool Sport Round 4 – 1pm – 3.25pm
Thursday 11 June – 2026 Surf Coast Campus House Athletics – Goldsworthy Reserve, Corio
Prep – Year 3 students dep. 11.00am, Year 4 – Year 8 students dep. 9.00am
Friday 12 June – Junior School Assembly – 9.00am
Friday 12 June – Combined Junior Strings Rehearsal at the Bellarine Campus – 8.45am – 3.25pm
Friday 12 June – Lunchtime Music Concert – Stadium Music Room – 1.00pm (selected students)
Year 1
This week, the Year 1 students have been engaged in many exciting learning experiences across a range of subjects. In Maths, students explored whole-part-whole models, partitioning numbers, number bonds, and quick computation strategies for addition and subtraction equations. They enjoyed using hands-on materials, games, and mental strategies to build confidence and fluency with numbers.
In English, students learnt how to write information reports while researching bees and koalas. They loved discovering interesting facts about these animals and practised organising their ideas using headings, labelled diagrams, and factual sentences. The class showed great enthusiasm for sharing their learning and developing their writing skills.
In Christian Education, students explored the story of Jesus Calming the Storm. Through discussions and creative activities, students reflected on the importance of trust, courage, and faith during difficult times. They made thoughtful connections between the story and their own lives.
In IDL, students investigated plants and what living things need to survive. They learnt about the needs of plants, the parts of a plant, and how to care for living things in our environment. Students particularly enjoyed planting seeds, observing growth, and sharing their scientific observations.
It has been wonderful to see the students approach their learning with curiosity, enthusiasm, and positivity throughout the term.
Olivia Vandenberg
Year 3 Service With Aaron
This week, our Year 3 students gathered for our special term service with Aaron, our Chaplain, filled with music, laughter, movement, and reflection. Together, students learnt the song “I Just Want to Be a Sheep”, practising all of the actions and enjoying the fun that came with singing together as a year level.
The song shared an important message about following Jesus, trusting God’s guidance, and remembering that even when we lose our way, we are never alone. Students explored the Bible connection from John 10:14, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me,” reflecting on the idea that Jesus is our Shepherd, leading and caring for His people.
Of course, there were also plenty of smiles and laughter along the way.
Hamish G (3T) shared, “I liked when we did the ‘hypocrite’ line and bumped hips with our friends!”
Students also thoughtfully reflected on the message behind the song.
Ellia (3J) shared, “Service is important because it teaches us about Jesus. The message from our service this week was that Jesus will always be our Shepherd and we will follow Him no matter what.”
Lexi (3T) reflected, “The importance of the message in this song is that if you have lost your way, then God will lead you back.”
It was wonderful to see students engaging so enthusiastically and encouraging one another throughout the service.
Sophie McDonagh
Building Bright Ideas in Year 5 Humanities
Our Year 5 students have been busy exploring the world of Business and Economics through an engaging unit focused on wants and needs, and the many different resources required to meet them. Throughout the term, students investigated the difference between items people need to survive and things they may simply want, while also considering the cost and value of products in everyday life.
To apply their learning, students designed their own sustainable houses using digital programs and creative design skills. They then identified the natural resources, human resources and capital resources needed to build and maintain their homes. From solar panels and water tanks to builders, electricians and construction tools, students were surprised by the large number of materials, professions and resources involved in creating a single house.
Students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to combine creativity with real-world learning. Many shared that they had never previously considered how many people and resources are needed to build a home, while others reflected on the importance of making environmentally responsible choices. It has been wonderful to see students develop both their economic understanding and their creativity throughout this hands-on unit.
Michaela Lyons
Colour my World
Our fabulous Surf Coast art students have been exploring colour, light and paint this term. The beautiful autumn weather has made it possible to have sun and rainbows together and the last sunflowers brought to further inspire.
One reason why colour and painting are important for our students is its ability to enhance cognitive skills. Recognising and differentiating colours stimulates brain development and helps students connect objects with their names, fostering language acquisition.
Some inspirational music and lyrics by Petuna Clarke further enhanced the environment.
Oh, you can colour my world with sunshine yellow each day!
Oh, you can colour my world with happiness all the way!
Just take the green from the grass and the blue from the sky up above!
And if you colour my world just paint it with your love!
Just colour my world
Here is a little snapshot of what our art student have ben creating and we look forward to sharing more at our end of year Art Show.
Jennifer Beck-Carlson
Year 5 & 6 City to Surf Districts Winter Premier League
On Monday this week, all Year 5 and 6 students proudly represented our College in the City to Surf Districts Winter Premier League, participating in a fantastic day of sport, teamwork, and community spirit across a range of venues. Our students competed in multiple sports across the region: Softball and AFL (Boys) were held at South Barwon Reserve, Soccer took place at Connewarre Reserve, Netball was hosted at the Kardinia Park Netball Precinct.
The day was a tremendous success, with our students demonstrating outstanding enthusiasm, skill, and sportsmanship in every match.
A huge thank you goes to our dedicated coaches who guided and supported our teams throughout the competition:
Softball: Mr Pink
AFL: Mrs Whitten and parent Tyge
Soccer: Mr Hogan, Mr Bate and Taj
Netball: Mrs Richardson, Mrs Lyons, Edwina and Olivia
Their commitment and encouragement played a significant role in the positive experience of all participants. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Lucas, Arlo, and Nate, Year 10 students from the Senior School Coaching and Officiating Course, for their outstanding refereeing in soccer across the day. Their professionalism and confidence were commendable. A very special congratulations to Maeve and Destiny (Year 10 Coaching and Officiating students from senior school), along with Highton and Bellarine students Emma, Heidi, Philippa, Elodie and Abharna for their excellent umpiring in Netball. Their efforts ensured games were played fairly and smoothly.
All students represented our College with pride, giving their best effort in every contest and displaying exceptional sportsmanship. It was fantastic to see such teamwork, respect, and determination across all sports.
A sincere thank you also goes to Simone, the Coordinator of the City to Surf Program, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to organise this wonderful opportunity for our local schools to come together in friendly competition. Also, a very big thank you to Surf Coast Football Club and Coerver coaching Geelong for supporting the organisation and running of the Soccer tournament.
Division Cross Country
In addition to the Winter Premier League, our campus joined the Highton and Bellarine campuses in the Division Cross Country event held at the Geelong Racecourse on Wednesday, May 20.
Surf Coast campus competing in the Bellarine Division, had five students successfully progress to this event, all coached by Mr Bate. Each student performed exceptionally well, achieving personal best results and demonstrating impressive determination.
A very big congratulations to Kalea, Gracie, Archie, Edwar and Remi for their fantastic performances. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and the way they represented our campus.
We would also like to thank our Surf Coast Campus Head Running Coach, Mr Bate, for his dedication, time, and expertise in preparing these runners for the event.
Overall, it has been a fantastic week of sport for our Year 5 and 6 students, highlighted by teamwork, perseverance, and school pride. Well done to everyone involved!
Emma Workman
East Timor Independence Day
Our Surf Coast Campus recently came together for a meaningful and memorable Project Care Day in recognition of East Timor’s Independence Day. Students and staff gathered around the flagpole for a special service celebrating the day the people of Timor-Leste regained their independence and freedom. The Timorese flag was proudly raised as we listened respectfully to the national anthem of Timor-Leste, reflecting on the resilience and strength of its people.
To show their support and solidarity, students wore casual clothes in the colours of the Timorese flag; black, red, yellow and white. Creating a vibrant display across the campus. The day also included a delicious sausage sizzle enjoyed by students and staff alike, helping to build a strong sense of community and celebration.
Importantly, the day focused on raising awareness about the educational needs of young people in Timor-Leste. Through generous donations and fundraising efforts, our school community raised over $1700 to support kindergarten students in Timor-Leste in accessing education opportunities. It was wonderful to see our students embracing the spirit of compassion, service and global citizenship throughout the day.
Our Project Care Day was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our friends in Timor-Leste while making a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners. We are incredibly proud of the generosity and enthusiasm shown by our school community.
Claire Deretic
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.
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
