Recognition of Outstanding Leadership
We are delighted to share with our College community that our Executive Principal, Dr. Mathilda Joubert, has been awarded a National Fellowship by the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) — a significant and well-deserved honour.
The Fellowship is ACEL’s second-highest award and recognises educators who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in education. It celebrates individuals whose contributions to ACEL and/or educational practice have had a substantial and sustained impact at a national or international level. The award honours those who have advanced the profession through achievements that extend significantly beyond the responsibilities of their day-to-day roles.
Having only joined Christian College at the beginning of this year, we are already experiencing the fruit of Mathilda's very capable leadership. Her vision, wisdom and deep commitment to student and staff flourishing are already shaping a strong and exciting direction for our College.
We offer our heartfelt congratulations and look forward to the continued growth and inspiration her leadership brings to our community.
Sue Strong, Vice Chair, Christian College Geelong Board
From the Executive Principal
I am currently on Music Camp near Daylesford, listening to a montage of strings, woodwind, brass, choir and percussion sounds floating around. I love seeing the connections of students from our different campuses, from Year 7 to Year 12, just like I loved seeing the connections between students, staff, parents and alumni at the Foundation Night of Cabaret last Friday.
On Tuesday morning I saw Year 5 students at Bellarine showing off their classroom work and their progress on their band instruments to parents, grandparents, siblings, visitors and staff as we were reflecting on their transition into middle school after a semester of lifting to a higher level of rigour, independence and interdependence.
I realise that there is something powerful that happens when we learn and grow together. It reminds me that community is not just a strategic pillar in our strategic plan; it is a living, breathing part of our college culture – and not something that is only reserved for special occasions.
One of the joys I have of visiting our different campuses, is that I see special moments of community connection all the time. In classrooms I see teachers creating moments of shared experience with students, whether it’s through collaborative projects that spark curiosity, celebrations of student effort and endeavour or simply the way they make space for laughter and connection. These moments are building trust and engagement. They’re reminding students that they belong here, that their voices matter, and that learning can be joyful and deeply human.
Our student wellbeing, chaplaincy and reception staff are shaping a culture where children and families feel seen, supported, and valued. In our professional support spaces, I see the same spirit. I see staff in administration, finance, operations, marketing, bus fleet or IT, bringing warmth and care to their work, greeting others by name, solving problems with empathy, and collaborating with one another in ways that strengthen the whole college community. I think that the heart of our Christian College community is evident in these small, consistent moments.
I do encourage you to look out for the moments of connection in this week’s Vine, look at the interactions captured in the photos, and know that every moment of connection between students, staff and families remind us that we are part of a vibrant, caring community. Some great examples of the way we’ve been connecting and interacting this week include
- A wrap-up in all Vine editions about last Friday night’s fantastic Night of Cabaret
- In the Bellarine and Senior School Vines there are reports about the visit by some of our Year 9 and 10 students to the Science and Engineering Challenge at Deakin University
- In the Middle School and Bellarine Vine editions, you can catch up on the great work our Year 8s and 9s have been doing in Marine Studies
- Ancient civilisations have been in the spotlight for Year 2 and 4 students at Surf Coast Campus – the Year 2s have been exploring the wonders of Ancient India, with a special focus on the remarkable urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Meanwhile Year 4s enjoyed their Ancient China Day this week.
- The Junior School and Middle School Vines each have a report on the Year 8 Drama students from Highton who have been learning about children’s theatre presenting performances they’d scripted and rehearsed to appreciative audiences made up of Year 1s and 2s, and Year 3s and 4s. I love to see connections made across ages, year levels and campuses like this.
Finally, a couple more opportunities for the community to connect – the All-Strings Night is on at the RW Gibson Centre next Tuesday June 24 from 6:30 – 8pm, and a reminder that the Foundation is seeking recipes for the Family Favourites cookbook, due for publication later this year – we’d love to have yours included!
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Executive Principal
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 10
Monday 23 June Prep – Discovery Learning Periods 3 & 4
Tuesday 24 June Arthur Reed – Sibling Photographs
Please register up until 12 noon Monday 23rd June using this link
College String Orchestras Performance – RW Gibson Centre 6.30pm-8.00pm
Thursday 26 June Year 7 English – Poetry in Action – Highton Campus
Friday 27 June Whole Campus Assembly – All students
Last day of term 2 – Students dismissed at 3.30pm
TERM 3 2025
WEEK 1
Tuesday 22 July Students return to school
Friday 25 July Whole Campus Assembly – All students
Preps Visit Butterfield House Kindergarten
Our Prep students recently enjoyed a special visit to Butterfield House Kindergarten, where many of them began their educational journey. There was great excitement as they reunited with their teachers, shared fond memories about Kinder and spoke proudly about all they are now learning at school.
This visit also provided a wonderful opportunity for our Prep students to begin forming connections with the current kinder children. Together, they enjoyed outdoor play in the kinder’s amazing play space. It was wonderful to see our Preppies including their younger peers in imaginative and creative play, demonstrating kindness, leadership and encouragement throughout their time together.
The visit was a joyful and meaningful experience for all involved and our Preps look forward to returning soon to share more of their learning journey with their new friends at Butterfield House.
Nereda Welsh
Melissa Smith
Hard Work, Excitement as Term Winds Down
What a wonderful week we’ve had in Year 1 as we begin to wrap up the term! We’ve been busy finalising our information reports, and it’s been fantastic to see how much our writing skills have grown. The students have shown great curiosity and enthusiasm as they researched and wrote about different animals, using facts and drawings to share their knowledge.
One of the highlights of our term was definitely our excursion, where we had so much fun exploring and learning more about plants. This hands-on experience really brought our IDL unit to life and helped us understand the needs of plants and how they grow.
It’s been a joy watching our Year 1 learners grow in confidence, collaboration, and creativity throughout the term. We’re so proud of all the hard work and excitement they bring to the classroom every day!
Sarah Minge
Olivia Vandenberg
Year 2 – Ancient Worlds and Modern Strings
This week, our enthusiastic Year 2 students continued their fascinating journey back in time as part of their English and IDL lessons, exploring the wonders of Ancient India, with a special focus on the remarkable urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Students were amazed to learn that cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa were laid out in a grid pattern, complete with sophisticated drainage systems—an early example of thoughtful city design. This sparked great discussions about how ancient people solved everyday problems, much like we do today! We also uncovered the mystery of Indus Valley seals, which were used for trade and record-keeping.
In Mathematics, we made learning about money fun and practical by using the ALDI catalogue. Students selected items, added up totals, and even discussed budgeting—bringing math to life through real-world skills.
In Christian Education, we learned about the time Joseph spent in Egypt, exploring how God remained faithful to Joseph even during challenging times. This led to rich discussions about God’s promises to us today, and how we can trust Him no matter what we face.
To cap off an already impressive week, Year 2J delighted their families with a string concert on Thursday, showcasing the skills they’ve developed on the violin, viola, and cello. The concert was a wonderful way to celebrate the students’ hard work and perseverance in music. The library was filled with proud smiles and enthusiastic applause!
Sarah Dean
Jess Spicer
Ancient Rome Day
On Thursday, our Year 3 students stepped back in time to celebrate the learning they’ve done throughout our Ancient Rome Knowledge Unit this term. It was a wonderful day filled with creativity, teamwork, and lots of fun.
The celebration began with students crafting their own laurel wreaths, which they proudly wore throughout the day. They then put their problem-solving skills to the test in a Da Vinci Code Breaker Scavenger Hunt, searching for clues and cracking codes across the school.
In teams, students used popsicle sticks to build Roman-style bridges, applying their knowledge of Roman engineering and working together to design sturdy structures. A highlight of the day was making homemade pizzas, followed by a well-earned gelato treat in true Roman style!
To finish off the day, students used Minecraft Education to build their own versions of the Roman Empire, showcasing their historical knowledge and creativity in the digital world.
It was a fantastic celebration of all their hard work and deep learning throughout the term. We are so proud of our Year 3 students and the enthusiasm they’ve brought to this unit.
Amy Shirley
Sophie McDonagh
An Emperor’s Welcome!
Ancient China Day – A Cultural Celebration was the standout moment this week was our celebration of Ancient China Day! The day was filled with hands-on creativity and cultural discovery. In Art, students sculpted their own terracotta warriors, each one brimming with personality and craftsmanship. We explored traditional games like Pitch Pot, Jianzi, Cat and Mouse, and Catch the Dragon’s Tail, sparking plenty of laughter and teamwork. We also watched Mulan, discussed the story’s historical connections, and experienced the sounds of traditional Chinese instruments during a lively music session. The students were thoroughly engaged and shared how much they loved immersing themselves in the rich traditions and stories of Ancient China.
Kate Rice
Adrian Bate
An Amazing Afternoon of Soccer at Bellbrae Oval
What a fantastic afternoon it was at Bellbrae Oval, where students were treated to the first session of unforgettable soccer experience with Adrian Leijer, former Melbourne Victory captain and Socceroo, and his Coerver Coaching Team. The local Coerver Coaching Team were energetic and inspiring, delivering a session that was enjoyed by all.
From the first whistle to the final kick, Adrian and his team engaged every student with enthusiasm, skill, and encouragement. Their ability to connect with the students helped sharpen their soccer techniques, and provided a session that was great fun as well.
The weather couldn’t have been more perfect—sunshine bathed the oval, creating the ideal backdrop for an afternoon of sport, teamwork, and fun.
A huge thank you to Adrian and his Coerver Coaching Team for making it such a memorable event! We are so excited for the sessions yet to come next week for our Year 5, 6 and 7 students.
Emma Workman
🌸 Term 2 Japanese – Outstanding Achievement Awards 🌸
During Term 2, our Year 7 students explored key aspects of the Japanese language, including Hiragana, large numbers, and family-related conversations. We are proud to recognise the following students for their exceptional dedication and achievement in Japanese studies:
🎓 Year 7 Award Recipients
Hugo Olsson – Hugo has demonstrated outstanding dedication and responsibility. His Japanese speaking skills are exceptional, and he confidently responds to advanced questions. Well done, Hugo!
Stella Roncon – Stella’s consistent effort and her admirable attitude toward learning are truly remarkable. Well done, Stella!
Ivy Gittings – Ivy’s enthusiasm and commitment to her studies are commendable. Well done, Ivy!
Digby Wills – Digby has shown impressive progress this term. His initiative to stay back during lunch to ask questions and complete tasks reflects his dedication. Well done, Digby!
🥋 Hiragana Karate Masters
Abi Ridgewell – Abi has successfully mastered all 46 Hiragana characters and proudly earned the Blue Belt! Congratulations, Abi!
Tom Burnell – Tom has also mastered all 46 Hiragana characters and earned the Blue Belt with pride! Congratulations, Tom!
🍱 Year 5 – Kateika (Home Economics) Achievers
This term, Year 5 students engaged with the Japanese subject Kateika, focusing on home economics and cultural learning. We are delighted to celebrate the following students for their outstanding achievements:
Drew Hunter – Drew has made remarkable progress in Japanese. He is a helpful classmate and has shown growing passion for the subject. Well done, Drew!
Bryce Hunter – Bryce consistently demonstrates a fantastic attitude and serves as a positive role model in class. Well done, Bryce!
Charlie Claydon – Charlie shows kindness and care toward others, and his listening skills are excellent. Well done, Charlie!
Aurora Packham – Aurora is a kind and dedicated learner. Her Hiragana writing is beautiful, and she consistently completes tasks responsibly. Well done, Aurora!
Emilia McClea – Emilia is a dedicated and enthusiastic learner. Her listening skills are especially outstanding. Well done, Emilia!
Tomomi Suzuki
Spotlight on Wellbeing
As Student Wellbeing Officers, we are committed to supporting the mental, emotional, and social wellbeing of all students. We aim to work proactively across the school to build a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student feels a sense of belonging and connection. This includes implementing universal strategies such as our FLOURISH wellbeing program that is designed to support the development of social and emotional learning as well as encouraging help-seeking behaviours, coping strategies and resilience.
Alongside the FLOURISH program, each campus offers a range of wellbeing supports to meet the diverse needs of students, whether that’s through lunchtime clubs, group sessions, or one-on-one support with a member of the Wellbeing Team.
This term at our Junior School and Surf-Coast Campuses, what started off as a sporadic lunchtime here and there turned into an ongoing club for the students. In "Calm Club" students engage in mindfulness colouring activities and playing with sensory items such as kinetic sand, playdoh and sensory building blocks. Alongside these activities relaxing music is played to provide students a calm space to go to at lunchtime. Feedback from students has been positive with students being appreciative they have a calm space to come and relax. This club is also a great way to get to know the students and build rapport. There have been students from all year levels as well as a mixture of boys and girls attending every week. Mindfulness activities have proven to have significant benefits including reducing anxiety and stress, improving focus and concentration and supporting motor skills.
At our Bellarine Campus, ‘The Pond’ is open on Wednesday recess for Years 5-9 and Friday lunchtime for Years Prep-4. This space is student led, with activities encouraging connection, confidence and playfulness. Activities range from week to week, with ‘Danny Go’s’ and ‘Just Dance’, as well as slower more mindful activities such as jewellery making, playdough, board games and colouring.
At Highton there is a lunchtime timetable of clubs with a minimum of two or three different clubs running each school day. The consistency with days and times helps ensure the students know that there is an option for them to engage in every day of the week if they choose. Each term students are given an opportunity to express their student voice and put votes towards what they feel are the best clubs and activities for them.
At Senior School, the Wellbeing Prefects are discussing initiatives such as lunch movie club or having one day a fortnight, where each year level house group come together for a catch up. This would be aimed at building an inclusive school culture where everyone feels valued and connected.
Our regular Spotlight on Wellbeing articles are designed to keep you informed about the wellbeing initiatives taking place across the College and to share ideas and strategies that support child and youth mental health wellbeing and development. We want to ensure these articles continue to meet the needs and interests of our parent community. If there’s a particular topic you would like us to explore, or if you have suggestions for future articles please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our College Director of Wellbeing, Kim Doherty on k.doherty@ccg.vic.edu.au
Student Wellbeing Officers – Sandra Marinovic, Kate Hickey, Amy Cornwell and Angie Russell
Foundation Appeal
We believe every child deserves a Christian College Geelong education, and to make this a reality, the Foundation has a fund called 'The Eternity Fund'. Contributions made to this fund will provide a regular income stream to the College, which is independent of school fees. Therefore, as it grows, so will the distribution to our Foundation Scholarship Fund and College Building Fund.
Please consider donating to the Eternity Fund especially before the End of the Financial Year (EOFY). Donations of $2 or more to the Foundation are tax deductible.
Thanks to a very generous donor, every dollar donated will be matched dollar for dollar! So, should you wish to donate, your gift would be doubled!
Your giving can make a difference. The College has many needs, and these needs will continue to exist, even with financial support. This is why we created The Eternity Fund. We wanted to ensure your gift today will continue to impact the lives of students and their families forever - for eternity.
Please click here to donate
Your gift today will change a life tomorrow because a donation to The Eternity Fund is a gift which increases in value, so it continues to help students and families in an ongoing capacity for generations and generations to come.
If you can help, please consider donating to the Foundation today.
Tennille McInnes, Foundation Manager/Alumni Officer
A Memorable Night of Cabaret!
The Christian College Foundation Night of Cabaret was an outstanding evening celebrating our amazing College community. The cumulation of over 70 talented musicians including 37 current students ,16 staff, and 21 alumni created an unforgettable evening of fun and exceptional entertainment to over 280 attendees.
A huge THANK YOU to all attendees and donors for your generous support - over $31,000 was raised for the Christian College Foundation. The Foundation exists to support families in their greatest time of need by providing them with life-changing educational opportunities. The Foundation also embraces funding of new initiatives which enhance the educational experiences of all students.
The evening also saw the induction of seven Alumni performers to the Christian College Geelong Performance and Music Industry Hall of Honour. Each inductee was presented with a glass trophy celebrating their inspirational work. We will further honour each recipient by creating a Hall of Honour display wall in the RW Gibson Centre at the Senior Campus. We will also create a College website page where we will delight in maintaining their profiles as their careers progress.
For further information on the careers and achievements of our seven inductees, please click on this link
Tennille McInnes, Foundation Manager/Alumni Officer
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.
If we receive multiple versions of a popular recipe, we may ask for alternatives. We encourage you to share gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Please feel free to upload one or more images to go alongside your recipe. For example, this could be a family photo, colourful drawing/artwork, or photo of the recipe. By uploading a photo, you agree to have your photo published. Please also let us know where you got your inspiration from. Is your recipe based on another food author or published cookbook, or is it a special family recipe? Why do you love this recipe? Please share your story with us. By contributing your recipe to the cookbook, you agree to have your name published, but no personal contact details will be shared.
Please note, you are welcome to contribute recipes until the end of November 2025. The published book will be available at the start of 2026.
If you have a family business and you would like to advertise your business in the cookbook, please contact Tenille McInnes (t.mcinnes@ccg.vic.edu.au). This is a great way to showcase some of the incredible family businesses we have associated with the College.
We encourage all families to pre-order a cookbook today. Your purchase will enable the foundation to manage costs, stock levels, and ensure we deliver a profit. The cost of the cookbook is $39.50, and your donation to the Christian College Eternity Fund will be dollar matched by a very generous, anonymous donor.
On behalf of the Foundation, we sincerely thank you for your support and contribution to this project and know that you are supporting a great cause.
You can find the links to purchase and contribute to the cookbook here;
Click Here to contribute a recipe
Click Here to Pre-order your Cookbook
Thank you so much for your contribution.
Elisha and Willow
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.