From the Executive Principal

Recently, I had the chance to attend my very first Australian Rules football match. At the beginning of the year, I mentioned in a student assembly, when I was quizzed by the kids, that I don’t know much about footy yet, but was always willing to learn. Bellarine music coordinator, Sharon Huber, took it upon herself to remedy this situation and invited me along with her family to the Cats game last Saturday. As someone who has spent a lifetime watching rugby and soccer, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The game was fast, the crowd was loud, and the scoreboard looked like a puzzle. I was lucky to have a retired PE teacher, Sharon’s aunt Helen, sitting next to me.

Aunt Helen was more than just good company; she was my guide. She explained the rules, pointed out the star players, interpreted the cheers and jeers from the crowd, and helped me make sense of the scoreboard. Thanks to her, what could have been a confusing experience became an exciting and enriching one. I left the stadium not only entertained but also with a newfound appreciation for a sport I’d never truly understood before.

Something else special happened on Saturday: Uncle Brian (Aunt Helen’s husband) gifted me a Cats Member scarf. It was a simple gesture, but it meant a lot. I may still have a lot to learn about the game, but in that moment, I felt like I belonged. I was no longer just a spectator; I was part of the tribe.

This experience reminded me of the journey our children take every day at school. For them, the classroom can sometimes feel like a stadium full of unfamiliar rules, strange symbols, and fast-paced action. Just like Aunt Helen did for me, our teachers step in as guides, patiently explaining, encouraging curiosity, and helping students make sense of the world around them.

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 9

Monday 16 June                     Year 5 Music Open Session – 12.15pm – 1.00pm

Tuesday 17 June                     Year 4 Ancient China Day

 Wednesday 18 June                Year 3 Ancient Rome Day

Thursday 19 June                   Prep Fairy Park Excursion

                                                         Year 2J Strings Concert – Surf Coast Stadium 11.30am – All welcome

Friday 20 June                        Prep to Year 4 Assembly – Surf Coast Stadium 9am – All welcome

Preps Inspired by Bush Discovery Sessions

Our Prep students have been exploring the wonders of the bush during their Discovery Learning sessions this term, and their creativity always shines through! This week, they embarked on an exciting project to create their own collages using cardboard, accompanied by writing pieces that capture their experiences and reflections.

Each child brought their unique perspective to the project, incorporating elements that resonated with them. The collages were filled with vibrant leaves, flowers, and even the resident mob of kangaroos, showcasing the beauty of the bush and our beautiful Spring Creek location. Alongside these visual masterpieces, the children wrote thoughtful pieces describing their adventures, what they learned, and their favourite moments so far on their Bush Discovery sessions.

With one more Bush Discovery Learning session to come for the term, we look forward to making the trek down the hill again in our final week of Term 2 – we’re sure that gumboots will be a necessity given all the recent rain we have experienced! We wonder… how much will the landscape have changed from all that rain?

Year 1s Visit Geelong’s Botanic Gardens

This week, our Year 1 students had the exciting opportunity to visit the Geelong Botanic Gardens as part of our term’s learning. The excursion was a wonderful way to tie together all the knowledge we’ve been building on animal facts and habitats. As we explored the beautiful gardens, the students were able to observe various plants and trees and discuss how different animals might live and survive in these environments. The gardens provided a fantastic hands-on experience to connect their classroom learning with the real world.

Throughout the day, students engaged in a range of activities that encouraged them to think critically about the animals we’ve studied this term. They asked thoughtful questions, made connections to previous animals, and enjoyed sharing their knowledge with each other. After our garden exploration, we visited the nearby park where students played together, building on their teamwork and social skills.

It was a joy to see their excitement and curiosity as they recognised plants and habitats discussed in class. This excursion not only celebrated the hard work of the term but also allowed the students to appreciate the natural world around them in a fun, meaningful way.

Year 2 Weekly Update

Even with the shorter week due to the King’s Birthday public holiday, Year 2 students accomplished a great deal!

In English & IDL, we continued our exciting journey into Ancient India. Students used their five senses to imagine what life might have been like during that time. We explored aspects such as buildings, transportation, medicine, and food, and students made thoughtful comparisons between ancient life and their own experiences in Australia.

In Mathematics, we began our unit on money. Students enjoyed hands-on activities using play money to create different amounts and solve real-life problems, such as shopping and dining scenarios. A fun twist involved assigning values to letters of the alphabet and calculating the “cost” of different words!

In Christian Education, we continued exploring God’s promises through key figures in the Old Testament. This week, we focused on the story of Joseph in Egypt, drawing out important lessons and reflections.

It’s been another fun-filled and productive week in Year 2—well done, everyone!

Year 3 Update

Despite the rain, Year 3s have been bright and busy in our last few weeks of Term 2. Students have been working hard to master the column method for addition and subtraction and enjoying the challenge of competing against one another in Times Tables Rockstars.

In IDL, students got the chance to observe the effects of heat transfer in a variety of ways through their experimentation with ice blocks. Despite the cold outside, it was still a lot of fun holding ice in hands, breathing on it and watching the sun melt it, timing how long it took to melt for each test.

Year 3s are excited about preparing for Ancient Rome day next week and celebrate a wonderful term of learning.

Year 4 – Paul Folios

After a term of dedicated learning, our Year 4 students have successfully completed a comprehensive folio on the life of Paul and his ministry. This project has been an enriching journey, allowing students to delve deep into the transformation and impactful work of one of Christianity’s most influential figures.

The students explored a variety of videos and websites to deepen their understanding of Paul’s journey to becoming a follower of Christ. They investigated the challenges he faced throughout his life, such as being shipwrecked three times, imprisoned, bitten by a poisonous snake, and having his message rejected by many. They examined the nature of his ministry and identified his companions and key supporters, including Barnabas, Silas, Lydia, and Priscilla and Aquila. Additionally, they learned about the letters Paul wrote to various churches and friends, which now form significant parts of the New Testament in the Bible. By examining each of these aspects of Paul’s life, the students gained a deep understanding of the crucial role Paul played in the growth and establishment of the early Christian church.

The Year 4 students have shown remarkable dedication and creativity in compiling their Paul Folios. Their work not only highlights the significant events in Paul’s life but also reflects their understanding and appreciation of his contributions to Christianity. Well done, Year 4!

Rocking the Deck!

On Tuesday, the Surf Coast Rock Band made a sensational debut on the stunning new deck of the Innovation Centre. Their impressive covers showcased skill, commitment and stage presence, captivating the audience who couldn’t help but bop along. This promising start is just the beginning for these talented young musicians, who were backed by guest bassist Adam Stewart and their director on drums, Mr Tom Fraser. We eagerly anticipate their next performance in Term 3!

PE Happenings

This term students in Prep to Year 3 have been working on developing their Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS).

Preps – Catch

Year 1– Underhand throw/Catch

Year 2 – Strike

Year 3 – Overhand throw

Our Year 4 students have enjoyed focusing on basketball and netball.

Our younger students spend much of their PE time focusing on the 11 FMS in preparation for minor and major games in the upper primary years.

The Prep students recently enjoyed a rotation of catching activities using various types of equipment to encourage the development of all ‘Catch’ components.

Students are encouraged to practice their skills at home with siblings and/or parents. Ask your child to tell you the components (parts of) the skill they have been focusing on.

Please enjoy the photos of our Preps in action!

 An Inspirational Message Beyond the Game From Adrian Leijer

This week, our middle school students had the privilege of welcoming Adrian Leijer, former Melbourne Victory captain and Socceroo, whose visit left a lasting impression on students and staff alike. Known for his achievements on the football field, Adrian came not just to talk about sport, but to share a deeper message about what truly drives success.

Adrian spoke passionately about the importance of discipline, care, and commitment – not just in sport, but in every aspect of life. He emphasised that talent alone isn’t enough to reach your goals. Instead, it’s the consistent effort across all areas—school, friendships, family, and personal growth—that builds a strong foundation for achievement.

Students were captivated by Adrian’s story, from his early days in Dubbo to his rise in professional football, and his journey through international competition. But what resonated most was his humility and his belief that character and dedication matter more than raw skill.

Spotlight on Wellbeing

Thank a First Responder Day - Honouring Our Everyday Heroes

Each year, Thank a First Responder Day offers us all the chance to pause and recognise the incredible individuals who selflessly step up in times of crisis, running towards danger when others are running away.

First responders include our Paramedics, Firefighters, Police Officers, Lifesaving Victoria, SES & the CFA volunteers. They are dedicated professionals and volunteers who are first on the scene during emergencies, whether it’s a medical incident, natural disaster, fire, or accident. They face challenging and sometimes traumatic situations with courage, compassion, and commitment.

Though much of their work goes unseen, their impact is deeply felt. Their role is vital to our community, performed under pressure and often at personal risk.

Christian College would like to recognise and thank our first responders and their families. We are deeply grateful for your bravery, your selflessness, and the tireless work you do to protect and support our community. We are all safer and stronger because of you.

Student Wellbeing Officers – Sandra Marinovic, Kate Hickey, Amy Cornwell and Angie Russell  

Explicit Instruction and Inquiry-Based Learning

At Christian College Geelong, we are committed to offering our students a rich and varied learning experience. This includes engaging them in a broad range of educational opportunities and exposing them to diverse teaching approaches that support their growth, curiosity, and individual learning approaches.

Two prominent approaches in the classroom are explicit instruction and inquiry-based learning—each playing a unique role in shaping how students engage with material and develop understanding.

Explicit Instruction: Clear, Direct, and Structured Learning

Explicit instruction is focused on concepts, skills, and information being presented clearly and systematically. In this method, the teacher guides students step-by-step through the learning process, often using demonstrations, modelling, and direct explanations. The goal is to build foundational knowledge and skills efficiently.

Key Features of Explicit Instruction:

• Clear objectives: Teachers outline exactly what students are expected to learn.
• Step-by-step guidance: Lessons break down complex topics into manageable parts.
• Frequent checks for understanding: Teachers assess students’ grasp regularly through checks for understanding and provide immediate feedback.
• Practice and repetition: Students are engaged in the lesson, practising what is being taught in the moment.

Combined Junior Strings Rehearsal

Today saw the Junior String Ensembles from Surf Coast, Junior School and Bellarine gather together for a fun day of combined music making.  The enthusiastic students were brought together in the Bellarine Auditorium to form a super-sized String Ensemble of over 60 musicians! They rehearsed two pieces before a short break in which the students from the different campuses got to mingle with their fellow string buddies.

We then resumed playing with some individual group performances, before the excited audience of Yr. 1 and 2 Bellarine students arrived to hear the combined string group perform “Rustic Dance”, followed by a rousing rendition of an Irish folk tune “Joy of Life” made famous by the Irish pop group The Corrs. Lastly they all shared a sausage sizzle lunch-always a great way to finish off a morning’s hard work of string playing.

It was wonderful to see these young musicians perform together so seamlessly and participate so fully. We look forward to presenting a similar concert for families and friends at the Spring into Strings evening scheduled later in term three.

Thanks to: Rebecca Bertoncello-Bellarine String Co-ordinator; Matheus Oliveira-Surf Coast String Co-ordinator; our Cello teachers Siobhan O’Shaughnessy and Caitie Martin and the piano accompaniment staff of Molly Hanson and Tammy Treloar. Thanks also to Mr Andrew Dunlop who cooked all the sausages for our lunch time sausage sizzle.

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.

Baptist Camping Victoria - Go Wild This Winter!

Baptist Camping Victoria has four different camping adventures on offer during the upcoming term break - three at Mill Valley Ranch in Tynong and one at Burnside Camp in Anglesea. There are camps for primary and secondary school aged young people. Please click on the link below for further information.

Go Wild On Winter Camps