From The Executive Principal
As we reach the end of another remarkable term, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary breadth of opportunities our students have embraced over the past months. Term 2 has been filled with learning, challenge, creativity, service, adventure and celebration. Most importantly, it has been a term in which we have seen our young people continue to grow as people of character, compassion and purpose.
It is difficult to capture all that has occurred within a single newsletter article. Our sporting calendar has been as busy as ever. House Soccer, the Elevate basketball program and numerous interschool sporting competitions have enabled students to challenge themselves, represent the College with pride and learn the value of teamwork, perseverance and sportsmanship.
Our community has been inspired by the outstanding performances of students in Godspell, a production that showcased remarkable talent, dedication and teamwork. Students have travelled far and wide, from the Canberra Trip to the Indonesia Study Tour and the Our World journeys through Central Australia, each experience broadening perspectives and deepening understanding of the diverse world in which we live.
We have gathered as a community to celebrate Anzac Day, Reconciliation Week, Mother's Day, cross-campus music nights and special assemblies. Thank you to all who joined us for these special occasions where we build community together. Across the College, students have participated in a vast range of camps, excursions and farm stays that have enriched their learning and fostered independence, resilience and connection.
Our commitment to authentic learning experiences has continued through opportunities such as the Forensic Science Partnership with Deakin University, providing students with valuable insights into future pathways and real-world applications of their studies. We have also enjoyed reconnecting with former students through an Alumni Reunion and special Careers Week visits, celebrating the enduring bonds that make our College community so special.
This weekend, we celebrate with our Year 11 students and families at the Presentation Balls, a significant milestone in the life of our young people. Next week, our staff will participate in a three-day retreat, a valuable opportunity for reflection, thanksgiving, learning and renewal as we continue our shared mission of supporting every student to flourish. And on Thursday, our College Prefects will depart on a 12-day immersion experience to Timor Leste. Our College has enjoyed a long and meaningful partnership with communities in Viqueque, and this journey represents another chapter in our commitment to service learning, and global citizenship. I look forward to joining in on this transformative experience this year.
When I consider everything that has taken place this term, I am reminded of the extraordinary opportunities available within one school community. Each experience – whether on the stage, in the classroom, on the sporting field, in the Australian outback, overseas, or in service to others – plays a role in shaping young people who are capable, confident and compassionate.
We see the greatest growth in our students when they develop a genuine other-centred outlook; when they begin to understand that their gifts, talents and education are not simply for personal success, but for making a positive difference in the lives of others. These experiences help nurture empathy, leadership, resilience and a commitment to contributing to the common good. They are helping to form young people who will leave our College ready to engage with the world with both courage and humility.
Thank you to our families for your ongoing partnership and support. The encouragement, care and guidance you provide at home are critical in helping your young people thrive. Together, we continue to create an environment in which students can grow, learn and become the very best versions of themselves.
I wish all students and families a restful and enjoyable holiday break. May the coming weeks provide opportunities to recharge, spend quality time together and enjoy a well-earned change of pace.
We look forward to welcoming students back for Term 3 on Monday the 13th of July.
Dr Mathilda Joubert, Executive Principal
What’s Happening at Surf Coast?
TERM 3, WEEK 1
Monday 13 July – School resumes for Staff and Students for Term 3
Monday – Wednesday 13 – 15 July – Year 4 Camp – YWCA Lake Dewar, Myrniong, Victoria.
Monday – Friday 13 – 17 July – Intensive Swimming Program – Prep – Year 3
Friday 13 July – Whole campus assembly- commencement service – 9.10am
Friday 13 July – Prep Discovery Session – 11.30am – 1.00pm
WEEK 2
Tuesday 21 July – Year 4 Swimming – PE Class
Wednesday 22 July – GISSA Soccer Championships – Year 7 & 8 Male – selected students
Wednesday 22 July – GISSA AFL Championships – Year 7 & 8 Male – selected students
Wednesday 22 July – Lunchtime Scale Competition in Stadium Music Room – interested students
Thursday 23 July – GISSA Netball Championships – Year 7 & 8 – selected students
Friday 24 July – 2026 SSV City to Surf District Athletics Championships – Year 4 – Year 6 – Selected Students
WEEK 3
Tuesday 28 July – Year 4 Swimming – PE Class
Thursday 23 July – Student Learning Conferences – Face to Face on Campus
Friday 31 July – Student free day
Friday 31 July – Student Learning Conferences – Microsoft TEAMS Online bookings
Fun in Grade One!
What a busy and exciting time it has been in Grade 1!
Recently, our students participated in Athletics Day. Everyone showed great enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and determination while taking part in a variety of events. Students competed in running races and field activities, all while cheering on their classmates. It was wonderful to see everyone trying their best and encouraging one another throughout the day. Many students achieved personal bests, and all participants should be proud of their efforts.
Back in the classroom, our Grade 1 students have been busy learning about how plants grow. As a class, we planted seeds and have been carefully observing the changes that occur over time. Students have learnt that plants need sunlight, water, air, and soil to grow and stay healthy. They have enjoyed recording their observations and watching the plants develop from tiny seeds into growing seedlings. This hands-on learning experience has helped students understand the life cycle of plants and the importance of caring for living things.
In our Integrated Studies (IDL) lessons, students have been exploring animal habitats. As part of this learning, each student designed and created their own habitat for a chameleon. Students researched what chameleons need to survive and then used a variety of materials to build suitable environments. They carefully considered shelter, food, water, and places for chameleons to climb and hide. Students also used clay to carefully create their own chameleons to live within their habitats. The finished projects were creative, colourful, and demonstrated excellent planning, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
It has been fantastic to see our Grade 1 students engaging so enthusiastically in their learning. We look forward to many more exciting learning experiences throughout the year!
Olivia Vandenberg
A Wonderful Visit to the Geelong Wool Museum
Our recent excursion to the Geelong Wool Museum was an unforgettable experience! We had the most wonderful time exploring the fascinating history of wool and discovering its importance to Geelong, Australia and the whole World.
Throughout the session, we participated in engaging and interactive learning activities that helped us step back in time and imagine what life was like for shearers in the past. We learned about the many uses of wool and why it has been such an important industry throughout Australia’s history.
We also explored how sheep are an introduced species in Australia and discussed both the positive and negative impacts they have on our environment and economy. It was fascinating to learn about the role sheep have played in shaping our country.
One of the highlights of the excursion was the hands on craft activity. We practised sewing with wool and needles and used stencils to decorate our own pieces of hessian. The students thoroughly enjoyed being creative while learning traditional skills connected to the wool industry.
The excursion was a fantastic opportunity to bring our classroom learning to life. We all learned so much about the history of wool in Geelong and came away with a deeper appreciation for this important part of our local heritage.
Caitlin Maher
Sarah Dean
Year 3 Team
What a wonderful, joy-filled and jam-packed term it has been. Kicking off with Camp Wyuna in Queenscliff was certainly a highlight for many of us. From archery to pizza making and treasure hunts, beach walks and marine discoveries, we felt such pride in students’ resilience and their personal growth over our few days away. The time spent with one another is a valuable part of being in community together and we were thankful for such a great opportunity.
This term has taken us on a journey through Ancient Greece and students have amazed us with their engagement with the topics we’ve covered; Greek gods and goddesses a favourite of many.
We enjoyed a beautiful day at Athletics last week. Students demonstrated such enthusiastic participation and persistence in all events. Well done to everyone involved. Go Taylor!
The upcoming holiday break for students is well deserved, and we look forward to seeing everyone feeling refreshed and ready for a new term.
The Year 3 Team
Term Two highlights:
I really liked the javelin event at athletics. Grayson
The highlight of my second term was camp and doing archery. Lexi
My highlight was at athletics; I came first in vortex. As well as at camp, I got to sleep in a cabin with my best friends. Valentina
I have loved learning about so many different things to do with Ancient Greece, doing our posters on gods and goddesses and coming first in the medley race at athletics. Emily
My highlight was the experiments we did in IDL. Ivy
My favourite highlight was Ancient Greece, Athletics Day and spending time with my teacher. Charlie
My favourite highlight was camp, eating the chicken drumsticks and getting to wear our pyjamas on the last day. Tara
My highlight has been playing silent ball at the end of the day and trying to beat the record. Joash
My highlight for term two was going on Year Three camp. Bella
My highlight was going on camp and all the options for the activities, especially archery. Juliet
Amy Shirley
Year 4 Ancient China Day – A Celebration of Learning
On Wednesday, our Year 4 students stepped back in time to celebrate their learning from the term with a vibrant and engaging Ancient China Day. Students arrived dressed in casual clothes with a touch of red, a colour symbolising good luck and happiness in Chinese culture, setting the tone for a festive and immersive day.
Working alongside our incredible specialist team, students experienced an action-packed day filled with creativity, culture, and hands-on learning.
In Art, students worked with Ms. Beck-Carlson to create their own terracotta warriors using air-dry clay. Drawing inspiration from photographs of the original warriors, students carefully shaped and designed their unique pieces. We are excited to share that these impressive creations will be showcased at our Art Show later in the year.
In Music, with Mr Vucicevic, students explored the beauty of traditional Chinese instruments and movement. They were introduced to the pentatonic scale, commonly used in Chinese music, and enjoyed learning and performing a traditional folk song. The session also included ribbon dancing, where students expressed rhythm and storytelling through movement.
In the Library, with Mrs Moore, students enjoyed the beautifully illustrated story Moonfish by Graeme Base, which links to Chinese themes and sparked imagination and curiosity. Students were captivated by the detailed illustrations and loved carefully exploring each page, especially as they searched for the mysterious panda fish hidden in every illustration.
Back in their classrooms, students continued the fun by creating Chinese lanterns and paper dragons, adding to the festive atmosphere.
It was a wonderful day of immersion, creativity, and celebration, and a fantastic way to bring all our learning from our Dynasties of China unit to life.
Kate Rice
Year 5 Narrative Writing
The Year 5 students have finished the term by revisiting and refining their narrative writing skills. Using a creative writing prompt as inspiration, students carefully planned, drafted, edited and published their own original narratives.
Throughout the writing process, students focused on developing engaging characters, building suspense and using descriptive language to create vivid imagery for their readers. They worked hard to revise their writing, making thoughtful improvements to sentence structure, vocabulary and punctuation to strengthen the quality of their narratives.
The final published stories showcased an impressive range of creativity and imagination. Readers were captivated by suspenseful plot twists, detailed settings and exciting adventures that kept them eagerly turning the page. It has been wonderful to see the confidence and growth students have demonstrated as writers, and we are incredibly proud of the effort and perseverance they have shown throughout the writing process.
We look forward to sharing more of their fantastic writing in the future!
Michaela Lyons
Year 5 Christian Education Service Project
Our Year 5 students have achieved outstanding results in their Christian Education Service Project, demonstrating remarkable initiative, creativity, and compassion. Working in small groups, students independently selected charities close to their hearts and devised meaningful ways to support them through fundraising and donations.
With great enthusiasm, students organised a diverse range of activities, including bake sales, recycling initiatives, craft projects, lemonade stands, and even completing chores and odd jobs to raise funds. Impressively, all planning and execution of these initiatives were undertaken independently by the students and completed outside of school hours.
We commend our Year 5 students for their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to serving others, truly embodying the values at the heart of our community. We also extend our sincere thanks to parents and families for their invaluable support and encouragement throughout this project. Their assistance helped make these efforts both successful and deeply meaningful.
Sharon Sutton
Michaela Lyons
Nick Hogan
Exploring Skills, Creativity, and Innovation This Week
Over the past week, our Year 7 students have continued to embrace a range of engaging learning experiences across the curriculum. In Mathematics, students refined their number skills through a fun and fast-paced “Countdown”-style challenge, applying mental calculation strategies and problem-solving under pressure. This was complemented by algebra investigation tasks, where students explored patterns and relationships, demonstrating growing confidence in their reasoning and ability to communicate their mathematical thinking.
In Humanities, creativity has been at the forefront as students designed their own “ultimate civilisation.” Through careful research into key elements such as government, geography, culture, and technology, students developed thoughtful and imaginative societies. Bringing their ideas to life, they then used AI tools to generate visual representations of their civilisations, resulting in a collection of unique and impressive creations that showcase both their understanding and creativity.
In English, students built their confidence in speaking and presenting through oral presentations based on their biographical studies. Adding a creative twist, they participated in a mock publishing pitch, where they “sold” their subject’s story to a panel as if presenting to real publishers. This activity encouraged persuasive language, creativity, and a deeper understanding of audience engagement.
It has been fantastic to see students so actively engaged, combining critical thinking, communication, and innovation in their learning.
Adrian Bate
A Taste of the Future For The Surf Coast Year 8 Students
On Monday, our Surf Coast Year 8 students were given an exciting opportunity to gain a glimpse into their future as they prepare for the transition to Year 9 and, eventually, Senior School.
Our first stop was the Back Creek Farm campus in Scotsburn, where Year 9 students spend five weeks as part of their studies. This unique experience is always highly anticipated and is often spoken about fondly by students for years afterwards. The Director of the Farm, Ms Kim Ali, welcomed our students and provided an insight into life at the farm, including the activities they can look forward to and the expectations of the program. We were also fortunate to hear from 2 Year 9 boys currently in residence, who shared their experiences and highlighted some of the memorable moments they have enjoyed.
A tour of the property gave students the chance to explore the farm and meet some of the animals that help make the experience so special. The excitement was evident as students eagerly discussed what they had seen and learned on the bus ride home.
We also visited Senior School to gain an understanding of what the next stage of their educational journey may look like. Students were able to explore some of the facilities and hear from Senior School students about the wide range of subjects, activities, house competitions, and travel opportunities available to them. Their stories and insights helped bring future possibilities to life for our Year 8 students.
It was a fantastic day that allowed students to imagine themselves in these future learning environments, whether at Back Creek Farm or in Senior School, and to look ahead with excitement and anticipation for the opportunities that await them.
Claire Deretic
Year 8 Indonesian Warung Role Play
This term, the Year 8 Indonesian students have been learning about makanan dan minuman: Indonesian food and drink. Throughout the unit, students explored a wide range of food and drink vocabulary, practised how to order in a restaurant, asked for prices, read menu lists, and learned about Indonesian currency. They also had the opportunity to sample some traditional Indonesian food and completed a weekly food journal to reflect on their learning.
As a final activity for the term, students took part in a warung role play. A warung is a small Indonesian restaurant or food stall. During the role play, some students acted as waiters, while others played the role of customers. The waiters welcomed the customers, took their orders in Indonesian, and prepared the food from the “kitchen” organised by Ibu Penta and Ibu Neza.
To make the experience even more meaningful, students wore traditional Indonesian clothing and decorated the classroom warung with colourful wall displays. The activity gave students the chance to use their Indonesian language skills in a realistic and enjoyable setting.
It was a wonderful way to end the term: fun, interactive, and educational.
Penta de Bauza
Growing Digital Skills Across the Junior School
Digital Technologies continues to be a dynamic and exciting part of learning across the Prep-4 classes, with students enthusiastically exploring new technologies and developing valuable digital skills through hands-on experiences.
Our Prep students have been busy building strong foundations in digital literacy. They have been learning about the importance of usernames and passwords and how to stay safe and responsible when using digital devices. Students have also loved stepping into the world of coding with Bee Bots, using directional language, problem-solving skills and teamwork to navigate a variety of engaging challenges.
Students in Years 1, 2 and 4 have been exploring the fascinating world of data and discovering how digital tools can help us collect, organise and present information in meaningful ways. Year 2 students have been growing in confidence using MS Excel, learning how to enter numerical data into spreadsheets and transform their findings into colourful column graphs and pie charts. Meanwhile, Year 4 students have been extending their Excel expertise through an exciting Data Project, where they have combined data analysis skills with the creation of informative and engaging MS PowerPoint presentations.
Year 3 students have embarked on an exciting journey into the world of secret codes and hidden messages! From letter substitution ciphers and Morse code to Hieroglyphics and binary code, students have enthusiastically investigated the many ways information can be communicated, encrypted and shared. Their curiosity and determination have made them excellent code breakers and digital detectives!
It has been wonderful to watch our students continue to grow as confident, capable and creative digital learners. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to embrace new challenges are helping them develop the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing digital world.
Emma Anderson
Tee Ball Bellarine Division Championship – A Proud Day at SP
The Tee Ball Bellarine Division Championship held on Tuesday at Stead Park was a fantastic showcase of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship, with our incredible team proudly representing not only Christian College but also the wider City to Surf District.
Congratulations go to Banjo, Harrison, Will, Remi, Archie, Taylor, Max, Luka, John, Ollie, Otis and Rory, who earned their place in this talented team. Each player demonstrated dedication and enthusiasm throughout the competition, making their coaches and supporters immensely proud.
The group of 12 boys worked exceptionally hard in the lead up to the competition and across the day, competing with determination and unity. Their efforts were rewarded with three strong wins, while their two losses were only marginal, highlighting just how competitive and evenly matched the championship was. Every game was played with great spirit and celebrated with an ice-cream treat at the end of the day.
A special mention goes to Banjo, who captained the team with confidence and maturity. His leadership on and off the field helped guide the group through challenging moments, setting a positive example for his teammates.
Another standout performer was Rory, who was deservedly named Most Valuable Player (MVP). Rory displayed outstanding skills and excellent tactical awareness, playing a key role in setting up numerous home runs and supporting the team’s attacking efforts throughout the championship.
Consistent performances were also delivered by Will, Remi, and Archie, who each contributed strongly in every game. Their reliability and effort did not go unnoticed, and they played an important part in the team’s overall success.
A sincere thank you goes to Co-Coach Nick for his support and commitment on the day, helping ensure the team was well-prepared and encouraged at every stage of the competition.
This team has been an absolute pleasure to coach. Their teamwork, sportsmanship, and positive attitude have made the experience truly rewarding. I am incredibly proud of each and every player and the way they represented their club and district.
Emma Workman
Community Prayer Group
Aaron Cutter
Attention Year 5 Families
We are delighted to share with our community the success of this year’s Year 6 Canberra Trip. Our students represented our school with pride, enthusiasm, and exemplary behaviour throughout the experience. The trip provided a rich opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of Australia’s history, government, and national identity through engaging, hands-on learning. Our Year 6 students also looked wonderful in their commemorative jumpers!
With such a positive experience behind us, we are already excitedly planning for the 2027 Year 6 Canberra Trip. We look forward to offering another enriching and inspiring opportunity for our future Year 6 students.
As part of our preparations, we are thrilled to share some exciting news for our current Year 5 students…
Current Year 5 students are invited to take part in a creative design initiative for the 2027 Year 6 jumper!
This is a wonderful opportunity for students to contribute to a meaningful keepsake that will mark the final year of their journey through the primary years. We encourage students to get creative and design a concept that reflects school spirit and incorporates our College colours.
Design Options
Students may choose one of the following styles:
- Sash Style: A diagonal design across the jumper
- Banner Style: A horizontal design across the top, middle, or bottom of the jumper
Submission Details
- Designs should be hand-drawn
- Submissions are to be given to Year 5 Homeroom Teachers
- Due date: End of Week 5, Term 3
Please note, this is a completely optional activity, but we encourage all interested students to have a go and showcase their creativity! Designs will then be shared across our campuses, before a final decision is made in consultation with the team at Indigo Wolf, who so wonderfully produced our jumper this year.
We look forward to seeing the ideas our students come up with and to continuing the excitement as we plan towards Canberra 2027.
Julie Shutie, Director of Teaching and Learning
Partner With Purpose: Golf Day Sponsorship Opportunity
We are pleased to invite members of the Christian College Geelong community to partner with us as sponsors of the 2026 Christian College Geelong Golf Tournament. This special event will be held on Friday, 16th of October 2026 at The Sands, Torquay, and will bring together families, alumni, local businesses, and community members for a day of connection, engagement, and shared purpose. Importantly, funds raised will support students experiencing financial hardship, helping provide access to a life-changing Christian education.
We warmly welcome expressions of interest from families or businesses who may wish to sponsor the event at any level, with a range of opportunities available to suit different levels of involvement. Sponsorship offers a meaningful way to give back, while also providing an opportunity to showcase your business, build valuable connections, and support our mission of transforming lives through the gift of education. For further information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tennille McInnes, Foundation Manager/Alumni Officer, at t.mcinnes@ccg.vic.edu.au.
Tennille McInnes, Foundation Manager/Alumni Officer
CCG New Parents and Families Program – an Exciting Initiative!
In 2026, we’re excited to launch our Parents & Families Program, a new initiative designed to bring our community even closer together across all Campuses and Kindergartens.
This program is all about strengthening relationships, creating a genuine sense of belonging, and supporting meaningful opportunities for families to get involved in College life. In the video below, Executive Principal, Dr Mathilda Joubert, provides more details. Membership is open to all parents, guardians and grandparents of students enrolled at Christian College Geelong, including Kindergarten families, and continues for as long as a member has a child attending the relevant campus.
If you would like to join the P&F Program straight away, please click here. You will need to complete your details, upload your WWCC number, and nominate yourself if you are interested in a leadership role.
From special events to fundraising, volunteering on camps, excursions, and other campus‑based activities, there will be plenty of ways for families to contribute, connect, and make a difference in the student experience at your selected Campus.
An information session will be held on Thursday 16 July at 1:30 pm at the Belmont (Junior School Campus) for families from all Christian College campuses who would like to learn more. To help us with planning, please register here if you wish to attend.
CCG News and Events
In recent weeks we have created a News/Events carousel down the bottom of the CCG website homepage with information and links covering many aspects of life at Christian College Geelong. Right now, you’ll find fabulous picture galleries of Godspell and the Year 6 Canberra adventure, a fantastic video covering the first week of the recent Indonesian study tour, a quick link to our Scholarships page, and more. We’ll regularly update and add to the carousel, so keep an eye out for new content in the weeks and months ahead.
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.
